Overview
- Police detained N. Arunachalam on July 17 in Thoothukudi for an alleged illegal liquor sale after seizing about 120 bottles and took him for a medical check.
- Authorities say CCTV from the police lock-up shows him suddenly collapsing, that doctors initially recorded no external injuries, and that he was later admitted to TKGMCH for treatment.
- Arunachalam underwent neurosurgical care in hospital and died on July 23 after several days of treatment, prompting his family to stage protests and initially refuse the body.
- The family alleges three to four police personnel beat him in custody, has demanded arrests, and filed a complaint that led to an FIR; the police release of CCTV footage is disputed by relatives.
- Investigations continue with a magisterial inquiry and a videographed post-mortem already completed, and the case has drawn sharp political criticism as Tamil Nadu faces renewed scrutiny over custodial deaths.