A youth from Amudha Nagar in Thoothukudi, identified as Arunachalam, has died after being admitted to hospital following a police inquiry, triggering protests by his family and relatives, who have alleged that he was assaulted by police personnel while in custody.
This comes just days after a 35-year-old disabled shopkeeper who was arrested for allegedly selling banned tobacco products died while in judicial custody at the Nagercoil District Prison, triggering allegations of custodial torture and leading to the arrest and suspension of three prison staff members.
A video recorded while Arunachalam was undergoing treatment at the hospital has surfaced, in which he allegedly claimed that he was beaten by three police personnel.
In the video, Arunachalam is heard repeatedly saying that three policemen assaulted him, including blows to his head. When asked who attacked him, he responds that it was the police and says the assault took place during the night after he was taken into custody. He also alleges that he was struck multiple times before being taken to the hospital.
Speaking to the media, Arunachalam’s mother, Parameswari, alleged that her son was healthy and conscious before his condition suddenly deteriorated.
“My son was speaking normally. Suddenly, within ten minutes, doctors told us he had to undergo an emergency operation. Now the police claim they never assaulted him. I want justice for my son. I will not accept his body until the policemen responsible are produced before us,” she said.
According to the family, Arunachalam had been picked up by the police in connection with an alleged case involving liquor bottles. They claim the police later informed them that he had sustained injuries and had been admitted to the hospital.
However, the police have reportedly denied assaulting Arunachalam, maintaining that he sustained injuries after falling down. The family has rejected this version, alleging that the injuries were caused by custodial assault.
The family has also questioned why CCTV footage from the location where the incident allegedly occurred has not been released. They demanded that all surveillance footage be made public and expressed concerns about the post-mortem examination, alleging that evidence could potentially be manipulated.
“We need complete transparency. Show us the CCTV footage, explain where he was taken, and identify the officers involved. Only after the truth comes out will we consider ending our protest,” a family member said.
The relatives have continued their protest, demanding an impartial investigation into Arunachalam’s death, disclosure of CCTV footage, and action against the police personnel allegedly involved.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
