Chennai: The state police department has once again been entangled in a messy situation after a detainee died in Neelangarai police station during interrogation on Friday.
The deceased, Anthony Raj (21) of Kannagi Nagar, was arrested by the Neelangarai police on complaints of his alleged connection with robbery and theft in Neelangarai, Thoraipakkam, Tambaram and other areas. Along with Anthony Raj, the police also arrested his friends Ramesh and Anandhan on Thursday night.
Incidentally, the state police department is already dealing with a similar case after Chittrarasu, a government employee who was arrested by Chunambedu police, was found dead in the police station on May 2. Meanwhile, Mariammal (54), who was accused of a theft, had died in Kalpakkam police station on January 15.
It is claimed by the police that Anthony Raj had fainted at around 3 am on Friday. “He was taken to a nearby private hospital for treatment and shifted to Government Royapettah Hospital (GRH) for intensive care. But the doctor at the hospital declared that Anthony Raj was dead already,” the police said.
However, the relatives of the deceased alleged that Anthony Raj was died due to roughing up by the police.
“There are injuries on his body that clearly suggest his being beating by the police,” they alleged.
Meanwhile, Additional commissioner M.C. Sarangan, Joint commissioner Maheswari and Deputy commissioner Shashank Sai rushed to the police station and conducted an enquiry. According to sources, higher officials have questioned Neelangarai crime inspector Ranjith, head constables Mugilan, Loganathan and Senthil Kumaran and constable Jhony.
“Anthony Raj fainted while he was about to be taken outside to recover the stolen properties. The police have registered a case under 176 (Custodial death) of CrPC,” M.C. Sarangan said.
He revealed that the department has recommended a magisterial enquiry and that action would be taken based on the magistrate's report. The body of the deceased has been kept at GRH mortuary for post-mortem.
