Bootlegger dies in police custody

Villupuram, Aug 5 (UNI) A bootlegger, who was arrested in connection with a prohibition case, died in custody at Arangandanallur Police Station in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu today.

While police sources said the bootlegger Balamurugan (26), who had been evading arrest, committed suicide by hanging in the lock-up a couple of hours after he was brought to the station, locals allege that he died because of police torture.

Balamurugan, against whom several cases were pending, was arrested this morning at his village Veerapandi and brought to the station. He took the extreme step around 1100 hrs, police said.

Balamurugan was found hanging and unconscious. He was rushed to Tirukkovilur government hospital where he was declared brought dead, police added.

District Superintendent of Police Periaiah and Villuppuram range DIG Rajiv Kumar rushed to the station and conducted an inquest.

Police pickets were posted at Veerapandi village to prevent any untoward incident.

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