The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission today ordered a comprehensive probe into the alleged suicide of Ram Kumar, accused in the murder of 24-year-old IT professional Swathi.
Taking suo motu congnisance of a media report on the death of Ram Kumar yesterday at the Puzhal Central Prison here, SHRC chairperson Justice T Meenakumari directed the ADGP/Director, Investigation Division of the SHRC to "hold an inquiry by a senior officer and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks."
Ram Kumar allegedly committed suicide by biting an electric wire in the dispensary of the jail yesterday and a hospital later declared him brought dead.
The SHRC directive comes amid allegations of conspiracy and foul play by Ram Kumar's kin, who raised doubts over the probability of a prisoner committing suicide in a high security central jail. Also, the matter has gone to the Madras High Court.
Opposition political parties including DMK, and CPI(M) have demanded a judicial inquiry by a High Court judge over the incident.
DMK chief Karunanidhi today said, "It is not believable that he bit an electric wire." He wondered if it was possible for Ram Kumar to bite the wire "in broad daylight" without the knowledge of prison guards and questioned where the sentries had gone at the time of the incident.
"Even if what had happened was suicide, appropriate action should be taken against those who were responsible for the negligence," he said, adding that the government should take responsibility for the incident.
Government Royapettah Hospital authorities told PTI that an autopsy on the body would be conducted tomorrow.
Meanwhile, an inquiry was conducted today at Puzhal Central Prison by Judicial Magistrate S Thamil Selvi.
According to officials, she held detailed inquiry for over an hour with the both prison authorities and inmates and visited various blocks.
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