Auto Driver Dies Due to Police in Tamil Nadu
The death of an auto driver in Tamil Nadu, triggered allegations of custodial torture against the police.
An autorickshaw driver named Kathiresan (25) in his mid twenties hailing from Veerakeralampudur was admitted to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital on 10th June. He then died on 27th June. Around 20 days back he was picked up for questioning by the police sub-inspector from Veerakeralampudur police station in Tenkasi district. He was picked up in connection with a complaint submitted by a person named Senthil for a property dispute.
On 10th June Kathiresan complained of uneasiness and vomited blood, so his family took him to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital. He died on Saturday 27thJune night. Kathiresan's family members alleged that he was beaten up during the police interrogation and had bleeding injuries. There was a tense atmosphere in the town on Sunday (28 June) when his body was handed over to his relatives. The autorickshaw driver’s death triggered allegations of custodial torture. Members of the opposition parties and the advocate fraternity in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts demanded a judicial probe into the death.
Meanwhile, in another incident, a construction worker from Ettayapuram in Tuticorin district, committed suicide after being assaulted by the police. His relatives held a road block and refused to accept his body as a form of protest. The deaths of these two individuals, as well as the death of Jayaraj & Fenix, angered people across the country and people are protesting against the brutal toture used by police in jail.
