Even before the scars of Sathankulam custodial deaths would fade, Tamil Nadu on Sunday witnessed yet another case of police brutality. This time, the police action, coupled with political hegemony, has allegedly claimed the life of a 40-year-old man in Chennai.
Srinivasan, a local painter, immolated himself at his rented house near Puzhal, after a police officer allegedly beat him black and blue in front of his wife and two children. With 86 per cent burns, he was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Srinivasan had not been able to pay the rent for the past few months since the COVID-19 lockdown had left him jobless. Following this, his house owner Rajendran, who is also one of the local functionaries of the ruling party, had asked him to vacate the house.
Based on a complaint filed by Rajendran at Puzhal police station for non-payment of rent, station inspector Sam Benson allegedly barged into the house of Srinivasan on Saturday evening and beat him in front of his wife and children.
Humiliated, Srinivasan took the extreme step by setting himself on fire. He was rushed to Kilpauk Medical College hospital by his family members, but on Sunday afternoon he succumbed to his injuries. Inspector Sam Benson has been placed under suspension.
The incident has once again placed on record the brutal ways used by the Tamil Nadu police for investigations.
