In a deeply disturbing incident that has raised serious questions about custodial accountability, a man was found dead inside a police station in Tamil Nadu, more than six hours after he reportedly entered the premises. The case has sparked outrage among locals and human rights activists, reigniting long-standing concerns about custodial deaths and transparency in police procedures.
The Incident
The deceased has been identified as a 32-year-old man from Villupuram district, who was reportedly summoned to the Kandachipuram Police Station late in the evening on Monday for questioning related to a petty theft case. According to initial reports, he walked into the station around 7 PM, but his lifeless body was discovered only at 1:30 AM the next morning.
The circumstances of his death remain unclear. No formal arrest was registered in the station diary, and there is no CCTV footage released as yet to confirm what transpired in the hours between his arrival and the time he was found unresponsive.
Family Raises Alarms
The victim’s family has accused the police of foul play, alleging that he was subjected to torture during interrogation. They claim they were kept in the dark and not informed until hours after his death. By the time they were notified, his body had already been shifted to the Government Hospital for postmortem.
“He went inside the station alive and never came out. We demand answers. How can this happen in a police station?” asked a grieving relative.
Police Response
Police officials, meanwhile, have denied allegations of custodial violence, stating that the man complained of uneasiness while sitting in the waiting area and collapsed suddenly. A senior officer claimed that the man was not in custody and had merely been called for routine questioning.
“We are awaiting the postmortem report to determine the cause of death. Until then, no conclusions should be drawn,” the official added.
Human Rights Commission Steps In
Given the sensitive nature of the case, the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and has sought a detailed report from the police department. The Commission has also demanded the preservation of all CCTV footage, visitor logs, and internal communication records from the station during the relevant hours.
Political Reactions and Protests
The incident has triggered widespread protests in Villupuram and surrounding areas. Political leaders from opposition parties have condemned the ruling government’s failure to prevent recurring custodial deaths and demanded immediate suspension of the officers involved.
“Another life lost in custody. Another family destroyed. Will justice be done, or will this too be brushed under the carpet?” questioned a local MLA while addressing protestors.
Growing Spotlight on Custodial Deaths
Tamil Nadu has witnessed several controversial custodial death cases in recent years, most notably the 2020 Sathankulam incident, in which a father-son duo died allegedly due to police brutality. Despite public outcry and national media attention, convictions in such cases remain rare, highlighting systemic gaps in law enforcement accountability.
Legal experts argue that the need for stronger custodial safeguards, including mandatory video recordings of interrogations and time-bound judicial inquiries, has never been more urgent.
What’s Next?
As the investigation proceeds, all eyes are now on the autopsy results, which could determine whether the death was natural or a result of external trauma. Meanwhile, calls for an independent probe — possibly by the CB-CID or a judicial magistrate — are gaining momentum.
The family, supported by local rights groups, has vowed not to accept the body until a fair and impartial investigation is assured.
This tragic incident has once again spotlighted the fragile trust between citizens and the police system. Whether this case leads to justice or joins a long list of unresolved custodial deaths will depend on how swiftly and transparently the authorities act in the coming days.
