A 24-year-old employee of a state-run liquor outlet died days after being detained by police in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, triggering allegations of custodial torture from his family. Police, however, have denied the allegations and said the circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
N Arunachalam, a resident of Amudha Nagar and a salesperson at a Tasmac outlet, was detained on July 17 after police allegedly found him carrying 120 bottles of 180 ml liquor during a check. He was booked under provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act and arrested, with his family informed, police said.
According to a senior police officer, Arunachalam was taken to the district government hospital for a medical examination after his arrest. The doctor reportedly found no external injuries.
Police said he was later taken to the Thoothukudi South police station and kept in the lock-up with other accused persons. The officer claimed Arunachalam was speaking normally with other inmates before he suddenly collapsed. Police also said the incident was captured on CCTV.
After first aid was provided, Arunachalam was released on station bail and sent with his relatives for further medical examination. Police said he later collapsed again near a hospital and was admitted for treatment. Despite undergoing a medical procedure, he was declared dead on July 23.
Following his death, police registered a case based on a complaint filed by his father and launched an investigation.
However, Arunachalam’s family has alleged that he died after being brutally assaulted in custody. His mother, Parameswari, claimed that he suffered serious injuries to his head and legs after being beaten by three to four policemen. She demanded a fair investigation and said she would not allow the autopsy until the family was assured of an impartial probe.
The family’s protest was later addressed by senior DMK leader Geetha Jeevan, who met them and attempted to pacify them.
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticised the incident, alleging that the youth had died after being subjected to police assault. He questioned the government’s handling of custodial death cases and called for strict action.
The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Arunachalam’s death is ongoing.
