Tenkasi: A 63-year-old farmer, who consumed poison and entered a police station after a land dispute inquiry on May 21, died at the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital on Sunday. The deceased man's family alleged that police verbally abused and physically assaulted him, leading to his death. However, police have denied the allegations.
Background of the Land Dispute
According to police sources, Anthonyraj, a resident of Thalavaipuram village near Sivagiri, was involved in a prolonged boundary conflict with his neighbor, Pasupathi, wife of Pechipandi. Following an initial complaint filed by Pasupathi on May 1, the Sivagiri police instructed both parties to maintain the status quo until an official land surveyor demarcated the property line.
Escalation of the Conflict
On May 15, after a complaint by the Pasupathi faction alleging that Anthonyraj's faction was causing trouble by undertaking construction work, the Sivagiri police inspector summoned both parties for an inquiry. He instructed them that no construction activities were to be carried out by either side until the site had been surveyed by a government surveyor.
The Tragic Incident
The situation took a horrific turn on May 21 when Anthonyraj arrived at the police station after already ingesting pesticide. On noticing his failing health, police personnel rushed him to the Sivagiri government hospital, from where he was transferred to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital for advanced care. He succumbed to his condition on Sunday.
Family's Allegations
While police maintained they were merely mediating a civil issue, the deceased man's wife, Chellathai, and son, Esakkidurai, told reporters that the inspector verbally abused the farmer and physically assaulted him when he demanded basic respect for his age. Furthermore, they alleged that the police threatened to book Anthonyraj under a fabricated case. The family directly accused the local police of hurling derogatory, caste-based insults during the interrogation, which they say deeply humiliated the elderly man and ultimately drove him to take the extreme step.
Police Response
Responding to the allegations, the Tenkasi district police released an official statement categorically denying any mistreatment or high-handedness. The department stated that false reports are circulating on social media claiming that Anthonyraj consumed pesticide inside the Sivagiri police station and that he was subjected to torture while in police custody. Police have emphasized that they are committed to a fair investigation and have urged the public not to believe unverified claims.
