Kovai drug peddler dies in custody, kin suspect foul play

On Monday night, a police team from Big Bazaar Station arrested Karthi (36) from Kembatty Colony for selling ganja at Thyagi Kumaran Market. He has been facing several cases of murder, attempt to murder, assault and waylaying in the district.

In the past, when he was about to be arrested, Karthi would pretend as if he was unwell, sources said. So when Karthi turned sick this time, the personnel presumed him to be doing his usual tactics. However, he vomited a few times and suddenly collapsed.

Following this, police rushed him to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, but he died on the way.

Police said that they did not assault Karthi and he died of an epileptic attack. His relatives claimed that Karthi wouldn’t have lost a life if police had responded in time by taking him to the hospital.