Custodial Death Allegation in Tamil Nadu: Detained Tasmac Salesman Dies, Family Demands Action

A 26-year-old Tasmac outlet salesman who was detained by police for questioning over an alleged illegal liquor sale died in a government hospital in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin on Thursday, triggering allegations of custodial torture by his family and protests demanding action against the police personnel involved. Authorities, however, have denied that it was a lockup death and said an investigation is underway.

The deceased, N Arunachalam, a resident of Amutha Nagar in Tuticorin district, was taken into custody by the Tuticorin South Police on July 17 for questioning in connection with the alleged illegal sale of liquor. Police said 120 liquor bottles were seized from his possession during the inquiry.

According to officials, Arunachalam was admitted to the Tuticorin Government Medical College Hospital on July 18 after his health deteriorated. He remained under treatment for five days before succumbing to his injuries on Thursday morning.

His family has alleged that Arunachalam was brutally assaulted while in police custody. They claimed he suffered severe injuries to his head and legs after being beaten by three or four police personnel. Before his death, Arunachalam reportedly told relatives that he had been assaulted during interrogation, they said.

Following his death, family members staged a protest outside the government hospital and refused to accept the body, demanding criminal action against the officers allegedly responsible.

His mother, Parameswari, told reporters that her son sustained grievous injuries because of the alleged police assault. She demanded that an FIR be registered against the personnel involved and that they be arrested to ensure justice.

Responding to the allegations, the police said the incident was not a lockup death and maintained that Arunachalam had been admitted to hospital a day after he was brought in for questioning. Senior police officials said the circumstances surrounding the death are being examined even as the family's allegations have intensified calls for a transparent investigation.