SI gets lifer for custodial death

On hearing the case, Judge R Shanmugasundaram found that the Sub Inspector of Police was guilty of committing the offences under Sections 342 and 302 of IPC. Hence, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the counts and the sentences to run concurrently. Besides, the Judge ordered the accused to provide Rs 2 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family. Later, the accused was lodged at Madurai central prison, sources said.

According to the prosecution, Syed Mohammed, the victim, was picked up for an inquiry after a wordy arrogant quarrel with Aruldoss, a two-wheeler mechanic. While in custody, Syed Mohammed had attacked the SI Kalidas with a knife and for self defence Kalidas had opened fired at him with a revolver gun. The bullet injuries soon lead to the death of Syed Mohammed on the spot. In the wake of the incident, SP Pattinam police filed a case under Sections 323, 342 and 302 of IPC. The Sub Inspector of Police Kalidas was then placed under suspension. Meanwhile, the case was transferred to CB-CID to probe into the death of Syed Mohammed during custody.