Sentence of 3 cops suspended
There is big relief for three police personnel who were sentenced to life by a city court for the death of a 34-year-old burglary suspect while in custody. The Madras High Court has suspended the sentence of the three accused, the then Inspector (Crime) and two of his sub-ordinates.
Chennai
A division bench comprising Justice M Jayachandran and S Nagauthu, which heard the appeal moved by the three police personnel that they had no role in the cause of the death and that the accused sustained injuries while escaping, suspended the sentence and enlarged them on bail.
K Muthulingam, a native of Cuddalore, was picked up from his residence at Virugambakkam by the crime team of the Vadapalani police in connection with a burglary case in October 2011. Muthulingam who was to lead the policemen to another suspect had then reportedly attempted to flee from custody. However, he was caught and admitted to the Government Royapettah Hospital, where he was declared as brought dead. The city police registered a case of custodial death under Section 176 (1) of the Cr.PC.
Vadapalani Inspector (Crime) Natesan, Special Sub-Inspector, V K Murthy, Head constable Murugesan along with constables Ashok Kumar and Rajmohan, were placed under suspension and the case was transferred to CB-CID for enquiry.
XVI additional Sessions Court Judge J Mavis Deepika Sundaravadana, who heard the case ruled against the Inspector, SSI and the Head Constable. The other two constables were cleared of the charges.
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