CPI(M) calls for CB-CID probe into custodial death

March 07, 2012 03:02 pm | Updated 03:02 pm IST - MADURAI:

Communist Party of India (Marxist) cadre staging a demonstration in the city on Tuesday. Photo: G. Moorthy

Communist Party of India (Marxist) cadre staging a demonstration in the city on Tuesday. Photo: G. Moorthy

Communist Party of India (Marxist) has sought Crime Branch – Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) enquiry into the “lock-up death” of A. Saravanakumar, a goldsmith. The urban party district unit has also sought suspension of an Inspector of Tilagar Tidal police station for his alleged involvement in the death of the goldsmith.

Scores of party cadre, led by the party district secretary, B. Vikraman, staged a demonstration here on Tuesday in which the protestors demanded Rs. 5-lakh compensation to the family of the deceased and a government job for the widow of the deceased.

Addressing the agitators, Mr. Vikraman said that Saravanakumar was whisked away by the police on February 16 for an enquiry. The police had not informed the family members about the detention. Mr. Vikraman wondered as to why Inspector Srinivasan (Law and Order) had shown so much interest in the case (pertaining to pledging of jewels made up of brass in banks) when there was an Inspector of Police (Crime) to investigate into criminal activities.

The police had not followed any of the Supreme Court guidelines on arrest. Without any search warrant, the police had searched his house. Moreover, they had taken his family members, including two children, to the station and made them remain there till late in the night, he said.

Alleging that Saravanakumar was tortured by the police for a week, Mr. Vikraman said, following which he died at the Government Rajaji Hospital.

Seeking a CB-CID enquiry into the incident, the party demanded that a case of murder should be registered against the Inspector and his team and all of them should be placed under suspension.

Party MLA R. Annadurai, former MLA N. Nanmaran, Jewellery Workers' Association general secretary Azhagesan were among those who were present.

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