Death of youth sparks tension: Police in dock

Madurai, Apr 20 (UNI) Death of a youth, reportedly at the hands of the police at Azhagapuri village near Alanganallur, has sparked off tension.

The victim, S Chellapadndi (30), an alcoholic, chased and caught by the police yesterday in connection with a complaint by his wife Padma, complained of chest pain and developed vomiting. He was then rushed to the Government Rajaji Hospital here, where he was declared dead.

After initial refusal, they received the body following mediation by the revenue officials.

While a section of the villagers, including relatives, charged the police with murdering the youth, the police maintained that the victim had died while he tried to flee.

According to police, Padma, married to Chellapandi of Karuvelampatti near Tirunagar five years ago had complained to the Superintendent of Police accusing her husband of torturing and harassing her due to suspicion over her fidelity. Even after Padma's return to her maternal home with the two kids, he continued to trouble her.

Yesterday, he came in an inebriated condition and started abusing her in public. When police arrived, he fled the scene and tried to escape.

An RDO inquiry had been ordered into the incident.

UNI