A National People’s Power (NPP) provincial councillor and several associates were arrested and later released on police bail following allegations of violently attacking a residence in the Nelliady area and damaging its CCTV security system. The councillor, Santhirakumar Kanesaruban, has now been identified by residents as a long‑time local strongman operating with the backing of the current administration in the North.
According to police sources and eyewitness accounts, Kanesaruban — widely known in the area as a troublemaker with a history of intimidation — allegedly hurled stones at the home of a retired government officer, forcibly entered the premises while intoxicated, and destroyed security cameras installed on the property.
Residents immediately alerted the Nelliady Police Station via telephone, prompting a rapid response team to surround the suspects and take them into custody. However, despite accusations of unlawful entry, threats, and property damage, the suspects were released on police bail within hours.
The retired officer who lodged the complaint told reporters that he contacted the 119 emergency hotline at around 12:45 a.m. on August 30. Police arrested Kanesaruban shortly afterward. Yet by approximately 7 a.m., the councillor had been released. When questioned about the decision to grant bail for serious charges, the officer appeared reluctant to provide details, citing political pressure. He later disclosed that he had received a phone message from Colombo during the process.
A senior officer at the Nelliady Police Station, responding to inquiries from our Northern political correspondent, stated that he was “unable to act above the instructions of the Police Minister,” indicating possible external interference in the case.
Several residents described Kanesaruban as a local thug known for violent behaviour and petty crime. They claim he has long operated as a disruptive figure in the community. Due to the JVP’s historically weak presence in Tamil‑majority areas, the party had absorbed individuals like Kanesaruban to strengthen its grassroots presence in the North, residents said.
Earlier this year, Kanesaruban drew widespread attention after posting an AI‑generated image depicting him holding a vel, a sacred spear associated with the Hindu deity Murugan. The image was accompanied by the Tamil caption: “AKD என்பது முருகன் கடவுளுக்கு சமம்”, meaning “AKD is equal to Lord Murugan.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about political interference in law enforcement and the growing influence of local strongmen in Northern politics.
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