A physically disabled man arrested in an alleged illegal gutka and pan masala sale case was found dead while in judicial custody in Tamil Nadu’s Nagercoil, triggering protests and political backlash. The deceased, identified as Sabarivarman, had been arrested for the third time on charges related to the illegal sale of banned tobacco products and was remanded to judicial custody by a local court on July 9.
Prison officials discovered him dead inside the jail early on Monday, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. A senior IPS officer said authorities would examine CCTV footage from the prison to determine whether jail staff or fellow inmates played any role. Investigators will also record statements from prison personnel and inmates as part of the inquiry.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Police confirmed that Sabarivarman had a mild physical disability. While officials have not disclosed the cause of death, they said it would only be established after the postmortem examination. An eyewitness claimed multiple injury marks were visible on the body, fuelling allegations of custodial violence.
The death sparked protests by Sabarivarman’s family and local residents, who blocked roads demanding justice and alleging that he had been tortured while in custody.
The incident also triggered a political row, with DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin expressing shock over the death and demanding strict action if police involvement in custodial violence is confirmed. He questioned the government’s handling of the case and urged Chief Minister Vijay to respond. Udhayanidhi also alleged unequal treatment, claiming a TVK functionary arrested in a similar gutka case received bail the same day, unlike Sabarivarman.
