Madras HC Denies Bail to MLA M Jagan Moorthy in Teen Abduction Case

In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of KV Kuppam MLA and Puratchi Bharatham party leader M Jagan Moorthy in connection with the abduction of a teenager from Tiruvallur district. The court emphasized that custodial interrogation was essential for a fair and complete investigation.

Court Cites Prima Facie Evidence of Conspiracy

Justice G Jayachandran, presiding over the case, stated in his order that there were prima facie materials indicating the MLA's involvement in a conspiracy surrounding the abduction. The court noted that call detail records (CDRs) show Jagan Moorthy was in communication with ADGP-rank officer HM Jayaram and others linked to the case.

“These materials prima facie are sufficient to hold that the petitioner is a party to the alleged conspiracy,” the judge wrote.

Background: Abduction Linked to Inter-Caste Marriage

The case dates back to June 7, 2025, when five unidentified individuals allegedly abducted a teenage boy from Tiruvalankadu police limits. The incident is believed to be linked to the inter-caste marriage of the boy’s brother, who had married a girl from a wealthy family in Theni. The couple had reportedly gone underground to avoid backlash.

The kidnapped boy was later released near Perumbakkam bus stand. Investigations by the CB-CID uncovered links to MLA Jagan Moorthy and senior IPS officer HM Jayaram.

Investigators Seek Custodial Interrogation

Representing the CB-CID, Additional Advocate General (AAG) J Ravindran, supported by Additional Public Prosecutor R Muniapparaj, told the court that the agency had collected substantial evidence, including:

• Electronic data

• CCTV footage

• Call records

• Photographs

• ₹7.86 lakh in cash recovered from the girl’s father, Vanaraja

The prosecution insisted that custodial interrogation of Moorthy was necessary, as he had initially refused to appear for questioning and later provided evasive responses. The AAG said, "He did not cooperate with investigators. He gave only evasive replies.”

Defense Claims Political Vendetta

Moorthy’s senior counsel, S Prabakaran, argued that the case was a fabricated political conspiracy. He stated:

• The MLA was being targeted due to political animosity

• The accusations were based solely on confessions from other accused, which aren’t legally admissible

• Moorthy had no prior criminal history, apart from one case related to public protest

• The MLA had only advised the girl’s parents to take legal steps, after they sought his help to locate the couple

Prabakaran asserted that the police deliberately amended the FIR, adding more serious charges with malicious intent, and that Moorthy is willing to fully cooperate with investigators.

Court’s Ruling and Implications

Despite the defense arguments, the court held that custodial interrogation is indispensable for a fair probe. The judge emphasized the importance of securing the petitioner to ensure justice in a case involving alleged social prejudice and abuse of power.

The court's decision marks a critical point in a case that intertwines issues of caste, politics, and law enforcement.

Conclusion

The denial of anticipatory bail to MLA Jagan Moorthy underscores the judiciary’s commitment to unbiased investigations, especially in sensitive cases involving public representatives. As the probe continues, all eyes will be on how the CB-CID proceeds with further action, particularly in light of the alleged involvement of a high-ranking police officer and political figures.