Chennai, July 16 (IANS) The investigation into the custodial death of remand prisoner and businessman Sabarivarman inside the Nagercoil sub-jail has gathered pace with the arrest of eight inmates allegedly involved in the assault, while police continue to probe the role of others who may have participated in the fatal attack.

Three prison warders, who were arrested earlier in connection with the case, have also been placed under suspension by the prison department.

The latest arrests follow the post-mortem examination conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Asaripallam, which reportedly found 19 external injuries on Sabarivarman’s body.

The findings indicated that he had been subjected to a severe assault while in judicial custody, prompting investigators to register a murder case.

Earlier, police arrested the jail’s chief warder Thirumalainambi and warders Jegan and Sivakumar on charges related to the custodial death.

The prison authorities subsequently suspended all three officials pending further investigation.

During the course of the probe, police identified eight inmates who were allegedly involved in the attack. The arrested prisoners have been identified as Vishnu (21), Sarathi (19), Jegan (40), Sarath (20), Veriyaperumal (36), Sethuram (30), Ajith (29) and Aravind (27). All eight have been booked on charges of murder.

According to investigators, the violence erupted on the night of July 12 after Sabarivarman reportedly became involved in an argument with a group of fellow inmates inside the sub-jail.

The confrontation allegedly escalated into a brutal assault.

Police suspect that Sabarivarman was restrained before being attacked.

Preliminary findings suggest that his hands and legs were tied, after which he was allegedly assaulted by the inmates with the involvement of the warders.

He sustained multiple injuries across his body and eventually lost consciousness.

Prison personnel later shifted him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Asaripallam for emergency treatment. However, officials believe he died while being transported to the hospital.

Investigators are continuing to interrogate both the arrested warders and inmates to determine whether additional prison staff or inmates were involved in the incident or had knowledge of the assault.

Meanwhile, Sabarivarman’s family has refused to accept his body for the third consecutive day, demanding justice, adequate government compensation and a government job for a member of the bereaved family.

Supporters, local residents and members of several political parties have gathered outside the Asaripallam Government Medical College Hospital, backing the family’s demands and calling for strict action against all those responsible for the custodial death.

–IANS

aal/dpb