Anuraag Saxena Profile picture
Passionate about Public Affairs, Heritage & the Evolution of Narratives. Seva w/ @DataRvls & @IndiaPrideProj. RT ≠Endorsement. *Spammers muted*

Aug 4, 2018, 22 tweets

Recently @PDdancing @acmugil @JabaksMovies announced #PonManickavel.
#IsupportPonmanickavel has been trending too.
But do you know the REAL hero💪? Here's a tweet thread 👇

This tweet thread might interest @madrasmami23 @TheGopalan @ranganaathan @trramesh @MRVChennai @brakoo @indiaprideproj. Pls read below.👇

Pon Manickavel is one of the most upright Police Officers of Tamil Nadu. He heads the #IdolWing, that protects and brings back stolen #Temple murtis.

He is a #Thevar, an ancient, steadfast, clan that have never backed down from a fight. Immortalised in Nayakan/Dayavan.

#PonManickavel has spent time in Intelligence, Central Crime Branch, and solved various high profile cases; before he chose to take up the cause of Temple murtis.

Known for his strict demeanor and penchant for crisp uniforms (he would even send back shabbily dressed cops home 😉 )

Its rumored that he was “transferred” when he refused to remove his shoes while entering a former CM’s chambers. Now *that's* respect for the uniform.

While many people claim credit for it; #PonManickavel was responsible for bringing down heritage-criminals like Sanjeevi Asokan, Subhash Kapoor and Deenadayalan. thehindu.com/news/cities/pu…

He has dealt with allegedly rotten cops and moles within the department; like Khader Basha; who himself was selling away heritage that the police recovered. (Excerpt from Madras High Court judgement below)

It is said Pon Manickavel is a victim of Dravida politics, with politicians wanting to flame up anti-Hindu sentiments.

He has been chastised, disrespected, troubled, and transferred… to the extent that he had to get a court order for his restatement.

None of them has prevented him from doing his Dharma/duty. Example (unbelievable but true), he has chased, in his *jeep*; a criminal that was in a *plane* (Dayum!!!). How awesome is that! PS: He actually caught that criminal.

He has cultivated a network of informants; from nariyal-walas to auto-walas to gang members.

Murti-smugglers have used all sorts of tricks. They have transported using fertilizer bags, retrofitted LPG cylinders, w/ garden furniture, in false boots of cars… but have all been caught by the man. A huge Seva to temples.

#PonManickavel even brought back the 1000 year old Chola murtis (worth Rs 100 crores) that were taken away 50+ years back. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/1…

His department has been cracking down on HR&CE officials engaging in selling away temple lands and property. thehindu.com/news/national/…

… and has been single-handedly exposing the unholy nexus. thehindu.com/news/national/…

Many many people (from within the police and outside) have claimed credit for #PonManickavel’s work. Presenting papers at seminars, claiming credit on social-media, planning photo-opportunities, etc. But people know the *real* hero. Unsung and under-recognized.

It seems like there is a conspiracy to get the case out from under his wings; by transferring it to CBI. Unfortunate way to curb a stellar officer that is delivering criminals to jail. indianexpress.com/article/india/…

It is therefore heartening to see @PDdancing @acmugil immortalizing PonManickavel in a #biopic. Hats Off!

Ordinary citizens are saying #IsupportPonManickavel, and so should *you*. Share this story & lend your support.
Let the Govt know... Pon Manickavel stands on the side of Dharma… and so do we. (End)

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