Thoothukudi, July 24:
A 24-year-old man, Arunachalam, died during treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital after being detained by police in a prohibition case, triggering protests by his family who alleged custodial assault. The Tamil Nadu Police denied the claims, stating he collapsed inside the lock-up and had no external injuries during medical examination.
According to police, Arunachalam was booked under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act after allegedly being found with liquor bottles and was taken for medical examination, where doctors declared him fit. Officials said he later collapsed at the station but recovered, following which he was released on station bail and allowed to go home with his family.
However, his relatives alleged that he was assaulted by police personnel during interrogation and that injuries led to his death. They staged a protest outside the hospital, demanding action against those responsible and a transparent probe. Activists also questioned police procedure, including why he was not produced before a magistrate immediately. A judicial magistrate has ordered a post-mortem as per guidelines, and police said a case has been registered with further investigation underway.