Cuddalore custodial death: State Human Rights Commission to investigate

Selvam alias Selvamurugan, a resident of Kadampuliyur, Cuddalore, was booked by the Neyveli Township police on October 28 in a theft case, who was later remanded at Virudhachalam sub-jail. Selvam was supposedly involved in Cashew business in Banrutti.

On 2nd November, Monday, Selvam was rushed to Virudhachalam government hospital as he developed seizures while in the custodial prison cell. After the initial treatment, Selvam was discharged. Police reports said that Selvam suffered a set back soon and he succumbed while on the way to Virudhachalam Hospital.

Meanwhile, Selvam's wife has raised allegations against the prison authorities suspecting that her husband might have faced custodial torture and eventually died.

Selvam's wife along with her relatives of Selvam and the villagers staged a road roko in the Chennai- Kumbakonam National Highway demanding a judicial enquiry and action against the alleged prison authorities.

Accordingly, the State Human Rights Commission have taken up the issue and has ordered for an investigation based on the letter of Jail Superindent of the Cuddalore Central Prison.