Scheduled Caste youth dies in police custody in Sivaganga, family alleges torture

A 26-year-old man, who was picked up by police in connection with an assault case and allegedly tortured in custody in Manamadurai in Sivaganga district, died while undergoing treatment on Sunday (March 8, 2026). The youth, Akash, belonged to the Scheduled Caste.

According to sources, the Manamadurai police had arrested Akash, 26, and his acquaintance Guna, both from Manamadurai, two days ago for allegedly attacking two men with sharp weapons and causing injuries. The police claimed Akash sustained serious injuries after he suffered a fall while attempting to flee from custody.

Following the incident, he was admitted to the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. Later, on Saturday (March 7, 2026) evening, he was shifted to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai. He died while undergoing treatment there.

Sources at GRH said Akash had suffered multiple fractures across his body. Preliminary indications suggested that the death could have been due to fat embolism, though the exact cause would be known only after the post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, family members and relatives of the youth staged a road roko in Manamadurai, alleging he had died due to custodial torture.

Condemning the incident, Joint Action Against Custodial Torture (JAACT) advisor and human rights activist Henri Tiphagne said with this case, the number of custodial deaths reported in the State in recent years had risen to 26.

He alleged police atrocities and torture against Scheduled Castes and other underprivileged communities continued to occur in Tamil Nadu.

Stating such incidents should be a matter of shame for society, Mr. Tiphagne demanded that the post-mortem examination be conducted strictly in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Madras High Court. He also said the magistrate should ensure the victim’s family members are allowed to witness the procedure and the post-mortem report is handed over to them by the end of the day.