Thoothukudi, July 23 — A 26-year-old salesman employed at a Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) liquor outlet died in hospital on Thursday after being detained by police for questioning in connection with an alleged illegal liquor sale, triggering allegations of custodial torture and protests by his family.
The deceased, N. Arunachalam, a resident of Amutha Nagar in Thoothukudi, had been taken into custody by the Thoothukudi South Police on July 17 for questioning over the alleged possession and illegal sale of liquor bottles.
According to the police, Arunachalam was found in possession of 120 liquor bottles, which were seized during the investigation.
Police maintained that he had been detained only for questioning in connection with the case. On July 18, Arunachalam was admitted to the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated.
Despite undergoing treatment for several days, he died on Thursday morning.
His death sparked outrage among family members and relatives, who alleged that he had been subjected to severe physical assault while in police custody. They claimed that the injuries sustained during interrogation ultimately led to his death.
The family said Arunachalam had informed them while undergoing treatment that three to four police personnel had repeatedly assaulted him inside the police station, leaving him with serious injuries.
They alleged that he suffered extensive wounds on his head and legs as a result of the attack.
Following his death, relatives staged a protest outside the Government Medical College Hospital and refused to receive the body, demanding immediate action against the police personnel allegedly involved.
The protest led to tension in the area as family members insisted that those responsible be held accountable.
Speaking to reporters, Arunachalam’s mother, Parameswari, alleged that her son had been brutally beaten during custody and demanded that a criminal case be registered against the officers concerned.
“My son suffered grievous injuries to his head and legs because of the police assault. An FIR must be registered against the officers responsible, and they should be arrested to ensure justice,” she said.
The incident has once again brought allegations of custodial violence under scrutiny, with the family demanding an impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to Arunachalam’s death. Authorities are expected to initiate further legal and departmental proceedings based on the findings of the inquiry.