Man dies days after arrest in Thoothukudi; family alleges custodial torture
Arunachalam was arrested for illegal sale of liquor bottles; he was released on July 17, after which his family admitted him to Thoothukudi government hospital, where he was being treated in the neurosurgery ward
Alleging police brutality, family members of Arunachalam, who died on the night of July 22, stage a protest in front of the Thoothukudi Government Medical College on Thursday. Former DMK Minister P. Geetha Jeevan is also seen | Photo Credit: N. Rajesh
A 24-year-old man, who was arrested by the Thoothukudi South police on Friday (July 17, 2026), died at the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital (TKGMCH) in the early hours of Thursday (July 23).
The deceased was identified as Arunachalam, 24, a habitual offender from Amutha Nagar in Thoothukudi. He had previously been arrested in connection with the possession of contraband. During a recent raid, the police arrested him for the illegal sale of liquor bottles and seized around 120 bottles from his possession.
He was released on station bail on Friday (July 17) evening and was later admitted to the TKGMCH by his family members. Hospital sources said he was undergoing treatment in the neurosurgery ward.
Following his death, his family members staged a protest in front of the TKGMCH, alleging that he had sustained head injuries due to custodial torture by the police. They demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his death. However, police sources claimed Arunachalam had a history of seizures and had fallen on his own at the police station.
A case has been registered based on the complaint lodged by the family members and his body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is under way.
Published - July 23, 2026 01:34 pm IST
Source: The Hindu — Cities
