Groundswell of support: Villagers and activists at the Madurai Collectorate on Monday to submit a petition to the Collector, demanding restoration of security to former IAS officer U. Sagayam.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK

Melur villagers and activists submitted a petition to Madurai Collector M.S. Sangeetha on Monday, demanding restoration of security to former IAS officer U. Sagayam.

They said Mr. Sagayam, who played a major role in exposing the ₹1.11- lakh crore scam, committed by owners of granite and stone quarries, was also the special officer appointed by court to probe illegal mining. His investigation brought out the role of several influential persons, said K. Selvaraj, an activist based in Madurai. “Mr. Sagayam’s probe also highlighted the volume of granite removed from the hills,” he added.

Several influential persons, angered by the probe, were perceived as a threat to the official’s life and that was why he was provided with security round the clock, Mr. Selvaraj said. “But the Tamil Nadu government, by revoking the protection, has made him vulnerable to unseen forces…,” he added.

As Mr. Sagayam played a vital role in bringing out the huge loss to the exchequer, the government was duty-bound to protect him, the petitioners said.