Back-to-back deaths in Tamil Nadu police custody, DGP forbids overnight detention
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After two suspects died back-to-back in police custody, Tamil Nadu police are facing criticism for lack of care. DGP C. Sylendra Kumar has directed all police personnel not to detain suspects at night.
Opposition parties AIADMK and BJP demanded immediate arrest of the police officers responsible. The legislators demanded a response from the DGP regarding custodial torture, which led to the ban on overnight detention.
Two victims who died in custody are habitual offenders Vignesh in Chennai and Thangamani in Virudhunagar.
Vignesh was arrested on the night of April 18 for possessing machetes and half a kilogram of ganja. According to the police officials, he suffered seizures on the morning of April 19 when breakfast was being served. He died on reaching the general hospital.
Sub Inspector Puzham Perumal of Greater Chennai Police Control room, Constable Ponraj, and Home Guard Deepak were suspended related to the incident, said a statement from the Chennai police commissioner's office.
Thangamani is a member of the Mala Kuravar community and was arrested by the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) of the Tamil Nadu police on April 26. He was said to be in charge of illicit liquor and charged with brewing liquor illegally. According to police, he also suffered seizures in sub-jail after being remanded to judicial custody.
Some reports alleged that Vignesh and Thangamani were tortured which caused their deaths. Vignesh's family also alleged that police paid them Rs 1 lakh to remain quiet. They added they returned the money and are cooperating with the investigation.
Following Thangamani's death, his family was tortured by the police, and the following investigation led to the suspension of PEW including Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rajan, Inspector Nirmala, and constables Jayachandran and Jayakumar.
Chief Minister Stalin, who is also in charge of the home department, addressed the incidents in the state legislative assembly and announced a detailed investigation. The CB-CID of the Tamil Nadu police has commenced an investigation.