SHRC to probe custodial death

The registrar of SHRC issued an order on Monday in connection with the probe into the custodial death. The director of investigation wing of SHRC has been asked to investigate and submit a report to the registrar within four weeks.

It may be recalled that 22-year-old Anthony Raj, who was picked up for interrogation in connection with a few theft cases, died while he was in the custody of Neelankarai police, on May 18 night. A magisterial inquiry has been already ordered into the death.

While activists and his relatives pointed fingers at police for the death of the suspect, police had claimed that he died because of health-related complications.

Anthony Raj, a resident of Semmencherry, had at least six cases of property offences registered against him at Neelankarai, Thuraipakkam and Pazhavanthangal police stations. A police team from Neelankarai had picked up Anthony Raj from his house on Thursday. According to police, he developed breathlessness while being taken for recovery of stolen gold.

He was later admitted to hospital, where he reportedly died. Anthony was living with a married woman in Kannagi Nagar.

His ties with his family were snapped when his mother forced him out of the house in Semmenchery because of his criminal activities.