SHRC seeks report on custodial death of Madurai youth

According to sources, the deceased victim, Manikandan (28), assaulted Ayyachamy (65) on Friday night near Arapalayam bus stand and was then nabbed by the Karimedu police. Manikandan, who is reportedly a repeat offender charged in more 15 crime cases, later died while in custody on Saturday morning.

Angered by Manikandan’s death, relatives of the victim thronged at Government Rajaji Hospital on Saturday and demanding that the police personnel should be held responsible for the youth’s death. The irate relatives then raising slogans against the police, stating that they would not accept the body until stern action was taken against the officers responsible for the man’s death.

When contacted, Karimedu Inspector of Police S Jeyachandran denied any harassment by the police during interrogation.

However, despite the denial, the Commission sent a notice to the Madurai Commissioner on Monday, calling for a detailed report in this regard.

Manikandan was well until 8 am on Saturday when he took a cup of tea. But soon afterwards, he complained of nausea and sought help to take him to the hospital. His pulse later slowed down and was declared dead around 10.30 am, inspector Jeyachandran said. According to him, Manikandan has been in poor health after undergoing a heart surgery.