Thoothukudi, 23 July (H.S.):

A 26-year-old Tasmac salesman died in hospital on Thursday, days after being detained by police for questioning in an alleged illicit liquor case, triggering protests by his family, who accused police personnel of custodial torture and demanded criminal action against those responsible.

The deceased, N. Arunachalam of Amutha Nagar in Thoothukudi, was taken into custody by the Thoothukudi South Police on July 17 in connection with the alleged possession and illegal sale of liquor bottles. Police said 120 liquor bottles were seized from him during the investigation and maintained that he had only been detained for questioning.

According to officials, Arunachalam's health deteriorated the following day, following which he was admitted to the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital on July 18. Despite receiving treatment for several days, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning.

His death led to dramatic scenes outside the hospital, where family members and relatives refused to accept the body and staged a protest, alleging that he had been brutally assaulted while in police custody. They claimed Arunachalam had told them during his hospital stay that three to four police personnel repeatedly assaulted him inside the police station, causing severe injuries to his head and legs.

Speaking to reporters, Arunachalam's mother, Parameswari, alleged that her son died as a result of custodial assault and demanded that an FIR be registered against the police personnel involved. She also sought their immediate arrest, saying justice could be ensured only through a fair criminal investigation.

The protest heightened tension outside the hospital as relatives insisted on strict action against the officers concerned. The incident has once again brought allegations of custodial violence into focus, with demands mounting for an impartial probe into the circumstances surrounding Arunachalam's detention, treatment and subsequent death. Authorities are expected to initiate legal and departmental inquiries into the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman