Three policemen, including a sub-inspector, were placed under suspension today in connection with the alleged custodial death of a 47-year old man in the district.
Madurai Superintendent of Police Asra Garg ordered the suspension of sub-inspector Jayaraman, head constable Solaimalai and constable Murugan, of Oomachi Kulam police station, pending departmental inquiry in connection with the death today of Markandeyan following alleged torture, officials said.
Markandeyan had gone to the station last night to file a complaint that his 19-year—old daughter had been allegedly kidnapped and taken to Coimbatore by their relative Kumar following refusal to allow Kumar to marry his daughter, police said.
Investigating officials said police had told Markandeyan that they did not have enough personnel to search for his daughter but would interrogate any suspect he could bring to the station.
Following the assurance of the police, Markandeyan and his brother went to Coimbatore and brought two of Kumar’s friends to the station in order to help the officials trace the missing girl, officials said.
However, a case of abduction was registered in Coimbatore against Markandeyan for allegedly kidnapping one of Kumar’s friends and Markandeyan was detained in the Madurai station, they said.
Police allegedly tortured him and he was found hanging today in one of the police quarters doubling up as a police station, they said, adding his body bore injuries.
Talking to reporters, SP Garg said the body had been sent for post mortem and action would be taken against the police personnel if found guilty.
