The Hindu : Orathanadu tense after 'lock-up death'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 20, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Orathanadu tense after 'lock-up death'

By Our Staff Reporter

Thanjavur June 19. Tension prevailed at Orathanadu, 20 km from here, for most part of the day today over an alleged lock-up death of Ganesan (50) of Pudur last night.

Villagers laid siege to the police station and the hospital, where the body was taken for post-mortem, demanding action against the police.

Ganesan was taken to the station by the police led by Sheila, sub-inspector, at 8 p.m. yesterday on a complaint lodged by his wife, Baby, following a family quarrel. When the villagers went to the police station at 8.30 p.m. they were told that Ganesan died. Alleging that he had died only of police beating, they started gathering and threw stones. An additional force was rushed from Thanjavur and the situation was brought under control.

However, this morning the villagers again gathered in front of the station and demanded action against the police. An enquiry by Subramanyan, revenue divisional officer, was conducted and the post-mortem videographed. A peace meeting was held in the afternoon and the RDO said that only after the enquiry was completed could action be taken against the guilty. On the assurance given by officials that suitable action would be taken against the guilty after the enquiry, the villagers received the body.

Ananda Kumar Somani, Superintendent of Police, said Ganesan, who was brought to the police station only at the insistence of his wife, developed fits and died. He denied police harassment.

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