CHENNAI: A 30-year-old man of Korukkupet was runover by a local train near the Korukkupet railway station on Tuesday. Locals residents allege that the victim, identified as S Jothi, was chased by the police, which allegedly lead to his death.
As friends and relatives of the deceased staged a protest following the incident around 6 45 pm, two trains on the Chennai - Gudur route were held up for more than half-an-hour.
People who saw the incident stated that Jothi, along with a few others was drinking at a spot near the railway track.
“A patrol vehicle of the R K Nagar police station suddenly approached the group and reportedly warned the group to disperse. Jothi and others attempted to flee,” a friend, who did not reveal his name, told Express.
The friend alleged that Jothi was chased by the police and on the course, he was hit by a Sulurpetta-bound train when he attempted to cross the track. Sources said the man had slipped and fell on the track after his lungi got entangled with it. The body was removed to Stanley Government Hospital for autopsy. Senior police officials held talks with the protesters.
When contacted, a police officer told Express, “The sub-inspector was in the police van and was slowly passing by a nearby TASMAC shop. The victim along with his friends were drinking nearby, when they spotted the van and tried to escape.” The officer denied that police chased Jothi, stating that they were only passing by.
Based on a complaint lodged by Korukkupet station master, Government Railway Police (GRP), Korukkupet, have registered a case and are investigating the death.