Arunachalam, 24, of Amudha Nagar, who was arrested by the Thoothukudi South police last Friday (July 17, 2026), died at the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital in the early hours of Thursday (July 23). His family members alleged that he died of custodial torture, but the police denied the charge.

Last week, Sabari Varman, an inmate of the Nagercoil prison, died in the jail, triggering allegations of custodial torture.

The police said Arunachalam was arrested for illegally selling liquor bottles, and 120 bottles were seized from him. A case was registered against him under Sections 4(1)(A) and 14A of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act.

Arunachalam
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

He was released on station bail on Friday night. But he was admitted to the hospital on the same day by his family, the police said.

Hospital sources said he had been undergoing treatment at the neurosurgery ward.

Family members stage protest

His family members staged a protest in front of the hospital, alleging that Arunachalam had sustained head injuries owing to custodial torture. They demanded an investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.

A video circulated on social media showed Arunachalam lying on a hospital bed and alleging that he was assaulted by three police personnel. He said the police struck him on the head.

However, in a press release, the Thoothukudi district police said that after his arrest, Arunachalam was taken to the hospital at 5.50 p.m. for a detailed examination. “After the check-up, the attending doctor certified his fitness and noted that he had no external injuries,” the release said. After the examination, he was brought back to the police station to complete the formalities and kept in the station lock-up along with other inmates.

Collapses in the lock-up

The police said that while he was conversing normally with other inmates, he collapsed in the lock-up. The police personnel immediately provided him with drinking water and ensured that he was seated safely. Arunachalam’s  mother, who was in the reception area, was called. As his condition appeared normal thereafter, he was released on station bail and sent with his relatives for further medical check-up.

A short video clip showing Arunachalam collapsing inside the lock up was released on Thursday.

The police statement said his relatives later informed the police that he had again collapsed near the hospital and was admitted to the hospital.

A senior police officer said Arunachalam had a medical history of seizures. The police also claimed that he was a habitual offender and had previously been arrested for the possession of contraband.

Case registered

On a complaint filed by Arunachalam’s father, a case has been registered at the Thoothukudi South police station. The body was sent for post-mortem. Further investigations are under way.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss demanded a CBI probe into the death of Arunachalam, alleging that he was assaulted by the police in custody.

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president and MLA M.H. Jawahirullah demanded an inquiry by a High Court judge. He said the allegations, if proven, would amount to a grave human rights violation. He also expressed concern over what he called a series of custodial deaths in the State.