The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) suspended M. Ayyasamy, the tahsildar of Guziliamparai in Dindigul district, for ordering Village Assistants and Revenue Inspectors to collect details of members and leaders of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist). He has been directed to appear before the Commissioner of Revenue Administration in Chennai for further inquiry.

“We do not know why he issued the orders. But I was told that he has been suspended, and the reasons behind his order will be known only after the inquiry,” said CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam.

Mr. Ayyasamy issued the order on August 18 and directed officials to submit the details by the evening. “Otherwise, action will be taken against Village Assistants,” his order said.

Commenting on the order on social media, CPI(M) MP Sachithanandam said such an order had not been issued even when political parties were banned and the Criminal Tribes Act was in force.

Published - August 19, 2026 08:51 am IST