A day after the Periyar University Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan was arrested on the charges of cheating, forgery and for making casteist remarks, Salem City Police team launched searches on Wednesday at his residence, office and premises linked to him.
After his arrest, the V-C was produced before Judicial Magistrate No. II J. Dhineshkumaran at his residence at 3 a.m. on Wednesday. The V-C moved a bail application, and the magistrate granted him bail for seven days and asked him to sign at the register at the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Suramangalam daily. At 11 a.m., as per his bail conditions, Jagannathan, accompanied by his lawyers, signed the register at the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police and left.
Later in the afternoon, teams comprising seven Inspectors of Police and Sub-Inspectors began the searches at his residence, office, guest house, Registrar Office, and few other offices, all located on the university premises. Also, a team began searches at the residence of Registrar K. Thangavel (full additional charge) at an apartment in Suramangalam. Sources in the Police Department said searches began at 3 p.m. at seven places and were continuing.
