SIVAGANGA: A 26-year-old man arrested in connection with an assault case died in judicial custody while undergoing treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai in the early hours of Sunday, triggering protests by his family who alleged custodial torture.
The deceased, identified as Akash Denison (26), belonged to the Dalit community from Krishnapuram Colony in Manamadurai in Sivaganga district. Police sources said he developed breathing difficulties while under treatment and died shortly thereafter.
Akash was one of two suspects in an assault case registered by the Manamadurai police on March 6.
According to the police, Akash and his associate Guna (23) allegedly attacked P Jeyakumar (37) of Jeeva Nagar and R Alagarswamy (34) of Aathanur with a machete at 10.30 pm on March 5 near Zion Nagar in Manamadurai over a petty quarrel.
Akash had been remanded in judicial custody by the Manamadurai Judicial Magistrate until March 18.
Akash had sustained a fracture in his leg while reportedly attempting to evade arrest, he was initially admitted to the Government Sivaganga Medical College Hospital before being shifted to GRH in Madurai for further treatment.
Authorities said he developed breathing difficulties early Sunday morning and died soon after.
Akash's father Rajesh Kannan told media persons that his son hadn't slipped and broken his leg on his own, but rather the police had broken it purposefully by taking him to an isolated locality. He was bleeding heavily, which led to his death.
“They placed a stone on his leg and beat him, breaking his leg. We did not even know that he had been admitted to the Sivaganga Government Hospital for treatment. Later he was shifted to the Madurai Government Hospital,” he said.
He stated his son Akash was speaking to family members even on Saturday and demanded stringent action against the policemen responsible for the brutal attack.
"Akash told my wife about the police brutality while he was alive. Even the police inspector told my wife about breaking his leg," he said.
"The police could have left him alive just by breaking his leg instead of killing him," he said.
The family also claimed that casteist slurs were used during the alleged assault.
Joint Action Against Custodial Torture – Tamil Nadu (JAACT-TN) advisor Henri Tiphagne condemned the police in a video statement, saying Akash's death is the 26th such death in police custody.
Tiphagne said the youth was brutally assaulted by the police before being admitted to the hospital for treatment. The post-mortem must be conducted following all due procedures and guidelines.
Separate protests led by family members continued in Manamadurai and also before the GRH in Madurai demanding action against policemen, a case under SC/ST Act, compensation, and a government job for the family.
The family also refused to accept his body. In connection with the death, a judicial inquiry has been commenced, added the sources.
The incident sparked tension in the region, particularly as it comes close on the heels of the murder of temple guard Ajit Kumar last year within the same police jurisdiction.
A heavy police contingent led by Manamadurai Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raja has been deployed at the hospital mortuary, while senior officials are holding talks with the family and community leaders.
The body remains at the GRH morgue pending post-mortem examination and a magisterial inquiry. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)