Probe into custodial death begins

CHENNAI: The judicial inquiry into the death of a 34-year-old man while in the custody of the Vadapalani police began at the Egmore court on Thursday.  With the family of the victim, K Muthu, alleging that he could have been beaten to death, the police registered a case of custodial death under Section 176 (1) of the Cr PC. Vadapalani police inspector (Crime) Natesan, special sub-inspector V K  Murthy and head constable Murugesan were suspended following the incident and the police commissioner ordered a judicial inquiry.  The police had claimed that Muthu was picked up from his house at Virugambakkam on Saturday last, a day after his suspected accomplice Shahul Hameed was arrested in connection with a theft from a lodge on August 6. Muthu tried to flee from custody but was apprehended. He then complained of chest pain and was taken to a hospital where he died.  On Thursday, the the Egmore magistrate conducted an inquiry with Muthu’s parents Rasammal and Kuppusamy.