Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Orders CB-CID Inquiry Into Alleged 'Custodial' Death Of Person With Disabilities In Namakkal

The VCK and Left parties too staged a protest demanding action against the accused and to deliver justice to the family members on Monday. 

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday announced a CB-CID inquiry into the alleged custodial death of a Dalit with disabilities in Dharmapuri, on January 12. 

In a statement, the CM Stalin said, "A man Kumar of Arur in Dharmapuri was arrested for a theft of 120 sovereigns gold from the house of a provisional shop owner in Namakkal district. Based on the probe, the Sendamangalam police arrested a person with a disability Prabhakaran and his wife Hamsala on January 11. Later, they were lodged in Namakkal sub-jail." 

"The next day, Prabhakaran had complained about uneasiness and was taken to Namakkal GH and was later shifted to Salem GH. However, he died on January 12 at 11.40 PM," the CM said. 

Following the incident, the Salem DGP has suspended three police personnel including inspector and sub-inspectors in connection with the crime, he said. 

Further, the CM said, "I am saddened to hear about the demise of Prabhakaran and I extend my condolences to the family."

The CM then ordered Rs 10 lakh cash assistance for the family from CM's relief fund. He also ordered a CB-CID inquiry into the case. 

However, VCK and Left parties staged a protest demanding action against the accused and to deliver justice to the family members. 

Wife Hamsala Claims Custodial Torture Led To Death

Meanwhile, Hamsala, the wife of Prabhakaran alleged that four policemen including a woman cop in plainclothes barged into their house and started hitting her and her husband. When their kid tried to film the incident, the cops reportedly snatched the phone away and took the couple to Sendamangalam police quarters in Namakkal district. 

In the quarters, Hamsala said that the cops started to beat both of them on their palms and heels for three days. They reportedly tortured them even after Hamsala told them that their husband is immobile and he cannot move without her help. 

Later, the cops produced them in the court on January 11 and Hamsala was lodged in Salem prison. On January 12, Hamsala was suddenly sent out of the prison and her brother who was on the campus informed her about her husband's death.