8 cops quizzed in connection with custodial death of man

Coimbatore: An assistant commissioner of police has launched a probe into the custodial death of ganja peddler Karthick, 36, of Kempatti Colony.
Karthick was picked up by the Big Bazaar Street police for selling ganja at TK Market on Monday evening. During the interrogation, he reportedly suffered an attack of fits and was taken to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him as brought dead.

He has 13 murder, attempt to murder, robbery and ganja peddling cases pending against him.

Judicial magistrate Iniya Karunagaran had on Tuesday initiated inquiry into the custodial death. Meanwhile, city police commissioner Sumit Sharan ordered assistant commissioner of police (law & order, south subdivision) Cedric Manuel to conduct a parallel inquiry in connection with the case and submit a detailed report.

On Wednesday, the officer held inquiry with eight police personnel attached to Big Bazaar Street police station. They were asked about the team that arrested Karthick, the time he was brought to the police station and how many cops were present when he developed fits.

According to reliable sources, the officer conducted inquiry with sub-inspector Manikandan, special sub-inspector Selvaraj, head constable Suresh and five others.

Based on the reports of the judicial magistrate and the assistant commissioner of police, further action would be taken against the police personnel. tnn