Chennai, 24 July (H.S.):

A 27-year-old undertrial prisoner undergoing psychiatric treatment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Kilpauk died after he was allegedly assaulted by another inmate receiving treatment at the same facility, prompting a police investigation into the incident.

The deceased, identified as Jahir, was a speech-impaired man with a mental illness who had been admitted to the state-run mental health institution following an order issued by the Pollachi court. He had been undergoing treatment at the IMH since November 21, 2024, while facing trial in a criminal case registered by the Aazhiyar police under Sections 103 and 238(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to the police, the incident occurred inside the Institute of Mental Health when Jahir was allegedly attacked by another undertrial inmate, Aravindasamy, who was also undergoing psychiatric treatment at the hospital. The assault reportedly left Jahir with serious head and facial injuries.

Following the attack, hospital authorities, accompanied by a police escort, shifted Jahir to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital on July 20 for advanced treatment. Doctors treated him for several days, but he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday night despite sustained medical efforts.

After Jahir's death, the Stanley Hospital Police informed the Secretariat Colony police station, which has jurisdiction over the Institute of Mental Health, to initiate the necessary legal procedures.

Police said Jahir's body has been sent to the Government Stanley Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the precise cause of death and document the injuries sustained during the assault.

Investigators have launched a detailed probe into the circumstances that led to the attack, including the security arrangements and supervision inside the psychiatric facility. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman