New Delhi: A case of murder has been slapped against three policemen based on autopsy findings that pointed to 13 injuries on the body of a man who died in Chennai in police custody, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced in the state assembly on Friday, May 6.The death of Vignesh, a 25-year-old man belonging to a Scheduled Caste community, had led to cries from rights bodies and his family, who alleged that he had died of police torture.“The suspicious death probe has been altered to a case of murder today and the Crime Branch-CID would continue to probe,” Stalin informed the House replying to a call attention motion moved by the main opposition, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, on this issue.As per the conclusions in the post-mortem report of Vignesh, there are 13 injuries on his body, he said.Reports had noted that the post-mortem report revealed contusions in several body parts, including his head, above the eyes, cheek and arms.“Based on this, the case has been altered as a case of murder and murder case has been filed against police personnel.” The investigation would continue to be done by the CB-CID.Leader of Opposition K. Palaniswami, referring to 13 injuries demanded a CBI probe and led a walkout.On April 18, two young men, Vignesh and Suresh, were arrested by police over the possession of cannabis.They were taken to the Secretariat Colony police station and Vignesh died on April 19. A police sub-inspector, a constable and a member of the Home Guards were suspended and probe was initially ordered on suspicious death of the suspect. The case went to the CB-CID following the outcry against custodial deaths.Footage from a CCTV video has meanwhile shown Vignesh being chased by policemen who are then allegedly seen beating him with what appears to be a baton.Speaking to reporters outside the House, Palaniswami said the chief minister had on April 26 apprised the House that Vignesh was provided food on the morning of April 19 by police and following that he had suddenly vomited and experienced a seizure.“When the suspect was taken to a state-run hospital, he was declared brought dead,” Palaniswami claimed Stalin had said on that day.On the present development, the AIADMK leader said the report detailed multiple injuries including severe head injury which is in complete contradiction to what was earlier claimed by the government.Police have also deposed before the National Commission of Scheduled Castes over accusations that they have attempted to cover up the fact that Vignesh belonged to an SC community.(With PTI inputs)
