Custodial death: Traders held for demo

Chennai, Dec 31 (UNI) Members of the Tamil Nadu Traders Federation were arrested today when they laid a siege to the City Police Commissioner's office demanding slapping of murder charges on policemen responsible for the recent custodial death of a tea shop-owner from Kerala.

Police said about 100 memebrs, led by Federation President T Vellaiyan, assembled in front of the City Police Commissioner's Office at Egmore here to stage a demonstration, when they were arrested.

Carrying placards, the traders shouted slogans demanding the State Government initiate action against the erring policemen.

Later, talking to reporters, Mr Vellaiyan demanded Rs one crore compensation for the family of the victim and warned the Federation would launch agitations across the state, if the real culprits were not brought to book.

They were taken to a marriage hall. They would be released in the evening.

Syed Ali, a tea shopowner, was taken into custody for allegedly selling banned lottery tickets and died in police custody on December 12.

While his relatives claimed he died of police torture, police officials said the death was due to complications following a recent surgery.

As political party leaders and Traders Association staged agitations, three police personnel were placed under suspension and a RDO inquiry ordered.

Meanwhile, the District Welfare Officer for Backward Classes and Minorities, announced an inquiry into the death of Syed Ali.

UNI