Custodial death: 3 cops suspended

A trader’s alleged death in police custody triggered tension in and around Nesavalar Colony area on PN Road, as the victim’s relatives took to the streets on Tuesday.

Following nearly eight hours of protest, two police officials were suspended.

Garment trader Mohanraj (31), a Selvalakshmi Nagar resident, was picked up by police in connection with the murder of a financier Palanisamy (61). Palanisamy was found dead with his throat slit at his house at Kannagi Nagar near Nesavalar Colony on September 31. A case was registered by Tirupur North police and special teams arrested 35 persons in connection with the murder. Mohanraj, Palanisamy’s tenant, apparently vacated the rented house two days before the financier was killed.

Mohanraj allegedly died in police custody on Monday night. He was brought dead to the Tirupur Headquarters Government Hospital and the body was sent to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for a post mortem.

While police claimed he succumbed to some illness, Mohanraj’s relatives besieged the CMCH, alleging that he was beaten to death by cops. On Tuesday morning, a large number of protestors, including Mohanraj’s wife Geetha and several relatives, locals and traders blocked PN Road, demanding action against police for his death. Several shops and small garment manufacturing units downed shutters.

“We were taken into custody on Saturday night and beaten severely, along with many other residents of Kannagi Nagar. Though I was released later, Mohanraj remained in custody for three days. Whenever I approached police, they assured that he would be released after investigation. However he died due to police torture on Monday night,” alleged Mohanraj’s brother Ramesh.

However, they stuck to their demand that the police officials responsible be dismissed and continued with their protest. Around 6 pm, as the situation became tense, the cops resorted to a lathi-charge, after which the protestors dispersed.

Later, SP Kumar Singh informed that three policemen, Inspector Kumar and constables Muthupandi and Selvakumar, , have been suspended. Following the postmortem, a Judicial Magistrate will investigate the alleged custodial death. As per the demand of Mohanraj’s relatives, we will also recommend a CB-CID inquiry.”