Prisoner’s death sparks protest

Sunday April 1 2007
http://www.newindpress.com

CUDDALORE, India: More than 1,000 inmates of the Central Prison here went on a flash protest fast following the death of a 32-year-old remand prisoner in the jail on Saturday.

K Chandrabalan allegedly died after a brief illness in the prison. According to police, Chandrabalan of Radhapuram was arrested on charges of selling illicit arrack. He was detained at the Central Prison since March 19.

Chandrabalan, who was not very strong, became indisposed this week. His condition deteriorated over the past two days and on Friday evening he developed fits, following which he was admitted to the clinic in the prison. As his condition became worse on Saturday morning, he was rushed to the GH where he died nearly an hour later.

According to sources, following his death, more than 1,000 prisoners, including life convicts and remand prisoners, observed protest fast in the prison. They claimed that Chandrabalan died due to severe torture in the prison.

They refused to take breakfast and lunch and demanded that action be taken against those involved in the death. Following the intervention of the top level officials, the agitation was withdrawn in the evening.

However, refuting this, prison sources said ‘‘the death was caused due to illness’’