Tamil Nadu Youth Laid to Rest 102 Days After Custodial Death

A 26-year-old youth who allegedly died in police custody in Tamil Nadu was finally laid to rest 102 days after his death, following directions from the court. Akash Delison, a resident of Manamadurai in Sivaganga district, was taken into police custody on March 6 for questioning in connection with a case. Police later informed his family that he had sustained injuries and was admitted to the Madurai Government Hospital, where he died on March 8 while undergoing treatment. A postmortem examination reportedly revealed 28 injuries on his body, leading to the registration of cases under murder charges and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The incident triggered widespread controversy, resulting in the suspension of several police personnel, including inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables. Akash’s father approached the Madurai Bench of the High Court seeking the arrest of six police personnel and compensation of ₹50 lakh. Refusing to accept the body, the family staged protests, resulting in the body remaining preserved at the government hospital for 102 days. After repeated appeals failed, the court directed the District Collector, Commissioner, and Hospital Dean to oversee the final rites. Following the court's order, the funeral was conducted on Wednesday.