DMK MLA Inigo Irudayaraj Seen Felicitating Sagaya Mary, Main Accused In Lavanya Suicide Case, As She Walks Out Of Jail

Visuals have emerged of Inigo Irudayaraj, DMK MLA representing Trichy East, felicitating Sagaya Mary, the main accused in the suicide case of 17-year-old Lavanya, a Class 12 student of Sacred Hearts Higher Secondary School in Michaelpatti of Thanjavur district.

Inigo Irudayaraj was seen honouring her with a shawl as she was walking out of the prison.

The 62-year-old Catholic nun was granted bail by a local court in Thanjavur, 18 days after she was arrested in connection with the suicide case. She was serving as warden of St. Michael’s Hostel attached to Sacred Heart of Jesus Higher Secondary School in Michaelpatti in Ariyalur district. In her video testimony, Lavanya had clearly mentioned Sagaya Mary’s name, and accused of repeatedly torturing her to do daily chores at the school and hostel.

Justice P Mathusuthanan, principal sessions Judge of Thanjavur, had granted anticipatory bail to Prisca Rachel, another nun, who was also charged in the case. The local court granted the bail on a personal bond of 10,000 rupees and asked the nun not to tamper any witness and cooperate with the investigation.

Following the bail order, Sahaya Mary was released from the central prison in Tiruchirappalli were she was lodged since her arrested.

Inigo Irudayaraj

Inigo Irudayaraj, who is the founder-president of Christhuva Nallenna Iyakkam (Christian Goodwill Movement), officially joined DMK in the run up to the recent state assembly election. He was fielded as the party candidate from Trichy East assembly constituency. He emerged victorious defeating senior ADMK Minister Vellamandi Natarajan.

According to local observers, Inigo Irudhayaraj was fielded as the party candidate based on the recommendation of DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who wields considerable clout in the district due to his close proximity to state Chief Minister M.K Stalin.

Incidentally, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, in its order transferring the suicide case from state police to CBI, cited the statements made by Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on the case.

Justice G.R Swaminathan pointed out to an interview given by Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi (school Education Minister) ruling out any conversion angle. The Judge observed that since high ranking minister himself has taken a stand, investigation cannot continue with the state police.

Inigo Irudayaraj, who runs a fashion garment company, has been for years in the forefront of organizing Christian support for DMK. He has frequently faced accusations of delivering communal inflammatory speeches.

Inigo Irudayaraj is said to be a close friend and business associate of DMK strongman and former labour Minister T M Anbarasan.

In 2011, the officials of the Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted searches in his house as part of investigation in to a disproportionate wealth case filed against Anbarasan.