Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 March 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, 10 ward councillors of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) have withdrawn their signatures from a complaint filed against Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, the Secretary of SVPMC. The councillors claimed they were misled into signing the complaint by the principal complainant, the Councillor of Ward No. 23.
The withdrawal letter dated 9th of March 2025, addressed to the Union Home Secretary, states that the councillors were unaware of the true intentions behind the complaint and that the principal complainant had used them to settle personal scores with the Secretary. The letter also highlights that the councillors took part in a protest outside the SVPMC office on 7th and 8th March 2025, believing the allegations to be genuine.
However, during a meeting convened by the Chairperson on 8th March, the councillors had the opportunity to discuss the matter directly with the Secretary. They were also given access to witnesses and CCTV footage related to the alleged misbehaviour incident. Upon reviewing the evidence, they concluded that the allegations were baseless and misleading.
Additionally, the councillors noted that certain personal and court-related allegations against Mr. Quazi, which were not part of the original complaint, had been added later without their knowledge. In light of these revelations, they categorically stated that they have no grievances against the Secretary and have officially withdrawn their support from the original complaint.
The councillors who signed the withdrawal letter include V. Vetri Velu, Laxmi Ganeshan, Abdul Islam, A. Selva Rani, Y. Joga Rao, T. Mangayarkarasi, Vasantha, S. Selvi, U. Kavitha, and Amar Devi. Copies of the withdrawal letter have been forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, and Chairperson of SVPMC.
Initially, 19 councillors had signed the complaint letter, a copy of which is available with Nicobar Times.
This development marks a significant shift in the controversy surrounding the complaint, raising questions about the motives behind the initial allegations.
The following is a copy of the withdrawal letter signed by 10 Ward Councillors.
The following is the copy of the Original Complaint Letter along with all its Annexure: