Kin refuse to collect stage decorator’s body

There were tense moments at the Vellore Government Medical College hospital as Sumathi refused to receive Manikandan’s body. The family demanded that the body be kept at the mortuary till they obtained orders from the Madras High Court. 

Officials at the Vellore jail had made arrangements to conduct the post-mortem examination, as Manikandan had died reportedly due to some complications in the brain. However, the family alleged that there were suspicions, as he died after being arrested for attacking Kalasapakkam MLA P Paneerselvam over unpaid bills. Sumathi has sought the arrest of the MLA, holding him responsible for her husband’s death.

The family alleged that doctors at Vellore favoured the MLA, and demanded that the autopsy be done by a team from Chennai. But Polur police refused to accept her complaint, following which she moved the High Court. 

Sumathi has also petitioned Governor Banwarilal Purohit, assembly speaker, assembly secretary and top police officials over the issue, alleging that Manikandan’s body had internal injuries.