A stickler for instant justice

The Junta Durbars during his tenure as Superintendent of Police in various districts were legendary for doling out instant justice. Whether complaints were against other civilians or of inspectors within his jurisdiction, Pon Manickavel was famous for picking up his wireless radio and barking out terse orders to ensure justice.

Not too tall, wiry frame and a larger-than-life mustache – the 54-year-old IPS officer has been at the center of controversies during most of his career. His subordinates – at least those with questionable integrity – live in sheer terror of him. Legend has it that a DSP in Salem range actually ran away when he was targeted by Manickavel during the latter's tenure as SP there, leaving his police cap and revolver in his official jeep. It took a lot of effort to trace him back.

Controversies continue to dog Manickavel till date. When the AIADMK government came to power last year, Manickavel – a DIG ranked officer now – was appointed in the sensitive post of the head of state intelligence. But, true-to-form Manickavel began taking officers to task over small issues. His strict 90 second deadline for reporting any development in the state led to large-scale resentment with the department.

In the midst of all this, as intelligence head, Manickavel was reportedly given the task of facilitating the arrest of MK Stalin in a land grab case. But Stalin evaded arrest. That was the last straw. Manickavel found himself out of the seat of power within just three months of being elevated to the plum post. An officer of high integrity, Manickavel is not short of enemies in the department. ''He is always sidelined whenever given a good position by a powerful lobby of senior officers," shares a senior journalist who covers the crime beat.

Manickavel was next posted as DIG (Law and Order) in Vizhupuram range in December last year. An incident here stands witness to Manickavel's special brand of policing. A particular case diary was lost in a police station. The DIG caught wind of it. He hauled up the concerned inspector on open mike and ordered him to do a first in police history. The inspector was asked to file an FIR against himself. The officer soon went on a long leave as did other officers – fearful of Manickavel – in the area. Little surprise that Manickavel found himself shunted out of even this place within a few months. "In his urgency for instant justice, he completely destroys rank in the law and order machinery. All his subordinates are terrorised by him,” says an IPS officer who does not want to be named.

Manickavel is now cooling his heels as DIG in the Idol wing of the state police department. This is his fifth posting in a year. Knowing Manickavel, officers here should gear up for a few shake ups.