The death of a man, after he was caught by local people, allegedly for pick-pocketing, and handed over to the police, sparked tension on the General Hospital premises here on Wednesday. Relatives alleged that the death was a result of custodial torture. However, the police denied the allegations and, in turn, indicated that local people could have manhandled him after nabbing him.
The police said Vinu, 38, a resident of Karimadom Colony and a loading worker at the Chala market, was nabbed around 2.30 p.m. from near Central Theatre by local youths, who had chased him, accusing him of pick-pocketing a roadside hawker on the Power House Road.
He was then handed over to the police, and taken to the Thampanoor police station around 2.40 p.m. Police officials, denying the allegation of custodial torture, said Vinu showed signs of seizures, similar to those caused by epilepsy, following which he was rushed to the General Hospital, where he was admitted around 3.05 p.m.
'No signs of torture'
Hospital authorities said Vinu was brought dead, and that preliminary examinations revealed no external signs of torture. The actual cause of the death, however, could be ascertained only after autopsy, which would be conducted on Thursday, probably after an inquest in the presence of the Revenue Divisional Officer. The news that Vinu was brought dead sparked tension on the hospital premises, with a large number of relatives and residents of the colony, turning against the police, accusing them of torturing him while in custody.
Police officers said Vinu was in a weak condition while being taken into custody.
The police also said Vinu was a repeat offender, with five cases registered against him in the Fort police station alone. These were for offences including theft and dacoity. He was also known for substance abuse, the police said.
His brother-in-law Ajayakumar, alias ‘Patti’ Rajesh, was arrested only last week by the Fort police for possession and sale of cannabis (ganja), they said. Vinu is survived by his mother Radha, and two siblings.
He was nabbed by local people for 'pick-pocketing'
Hospital says he was brought dead
