Tamil Nadu Man Dies Inside Police Station, Body Found Over 6 Hours Later
In a tragic and unsettling incident, a 60-year-old man named A. Arivolirajan was found dead inside a Sub-Inspector’s room at the Bazaar Street Police Station in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on August 6, 2025. The discovery of his body, which went unnoticed for over six hours, has raised serious questions about security protocols and oversight within the police station. This incident has also intensified scrutiny on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, already facing criticism over law-and-order issues in the state.
The Incident
On the night of August 5, 2025, Arivolirajan arrived at the Bazaar Street Police Station around 11:00 p.m., claiming that he was being chased by a group of approximately 25 people. The constable on duty, Senthil Kumar, assessed the situation and found no evidence of any threat. He advised Arivolirajan to return home and come back the next morning. Unbeknownst to the officers, Arivolirajan did not leave the premises. Instead, he accessed the first floor of the police station via an internal staircase and entered the Sub-Inspector’s room, where he reportedly took his own life by hanging from the ceiling fan.
The body was discovered around 7:00 a.m. on August 6, when the Sub-Inspector attempted to enter his room but found the door locked. After breaking open the door, the officers found Arivolirajan’s body. The Coimbatore City Police Commissioner, A. Saravana Sundar, confirmed that the incident was a case of suicide, supported by CCTV footage showing Arivolirajan entering the station alone. The body was sent to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for a postmortem examination, and a judicial inquiry has been ordered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Background and Mental Health Concerns
Arivolirajan, a resident of Kamarajar Nagar near Perur, had been struggling with mental health issues, according to his family. They reported that he frequently expressed fears of being followed or chased, suggesting he may have been experiencing hallucinations or paranoia. Earlier that day, he had approached a magistrate with similar complaints, who directed the Perur police to investigate. CCTV footage traced his movements, showing him arriving by bus at the Town Hall outpost at 11:15 p.m. before proceeding to the Bazaar Street Police Station.
Police Negligence and Disciplinary Action
Preliminary investigations point to lapses in security at the police station. The sentry, Constable Senthil Kumar, reportedly stepped away from his post briefly to attend an official call, allowing Arivolirajan to enter the station unnoticed. This breach enabled him to access the Sub-Inspector’s room on the first floor. In response, both Constable Senthil Kumar and Sub-Inspector Nagaraj from the investigation wing were transferred to the Armed Reserve, and further disciplinary action is expected pending the outcome of the judicial inquiry. Commissioner Sundar emphasized that negligent personnel would face strict consequences.
Political and Public Reaction
The incident has fueled political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties, including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticizing the DMK government’s handling of law-and-order issues. BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy remarked, “It has taken around 9 hours for the police in a police station to find this,” highlighting the perceived negligence. The opposition has pointed to this incident as part of a broader pattern, citing 24 custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu since the DMK came to power in 2021.
Allegations of custodial death initially surfaced, but the police have firmly denied these claims, asserting that Arivolirajan was not in custody at the time of his death. The judicial inquiry, supported by forensic analysis and CCTV evidence, aims to clarify the circumstances and address public concerns.
Broader Context of Custodial Incidents
This incident follows a series of controversial custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, including the high-profile case of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard who died in police custody in Sivaganga on June 28, 2025. His postmortem revealed over 30 injury marks, leading to the arrest of five policemen and widespread protests. The opposition has leveraged these incidents to accuse the DMK government of failing to curb custodial brutality, with AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami calling for a judicial probe into such cases.
Implications and Calls for Reform
The Coimbatore incident underscores significant gaps in police station security and oversight. The fact that an individual could enter a restricted area and remain undetected for hours has stunned many within the police department and the public. Human rights advocates have long criticized Tamil Nadu’s police system, with groups like the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) describing the state as a “police state” due to recurring custodial deaths and encounters.
The judicial inquiry, combined with forensic investigations and CCTV analysis, will be critical in determining the exact sequence of events and identifying any further lapses. The incident also highlights the need for better mental health support systems, as Arivolirajan’s reported mental health struggles appear to have played a role in his actions. For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, Tamil Nadu’s health helpline (104) and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline (044-24640050) offer critical support.
Conclusion
The death of A. Arivolirajan inside a Coimbatore police station is a tragic reminder of the need for improved security protocols, mental health awareness, and accountability within law enforcement. As the judicial inquiry progresses, it is hoped that the findings will lead to meaningful reforms to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has also reignited debates about Tamil Nadu’s law-and-order situation, placing pressure on the state government to address both public safety and police conduct.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on information available as of August 6, 2025, and is intended for informational purposes only. For the latest updates, refer to official sources or news outlets.
