Madras High Court Intervenes in Highway Protest Over Dalit Youth's Custodial Death
The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the family of a Dalit youth, who died after sustaining injuries in police custody in Sivaganga district, to appeal to protesters to disperse from the Manamadurai highway. The youth, identified as Akash, aged 26, passed away on Sunday at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, sparking allegations of police torture and custodial violence.
Background of the Incident and Protests
Akash was apprehended by Manamadurai police near the Melapasalai flyover in connection with a machete attack on two individuals. Police officials claimed that he suffered severe leg fractures after jumping from the flyover while attempting to evade arrest. However, his death has led to widespread outrage, with family members and local residents staging a roadblock protest on the Madurai–Rameswaram highway near the old bus stand in Manamadurai.
The protest entered its third day on Tuesday, with temporary tents erected at the site. Demonstrators have been demanding stringent action against the police personnel allegedly responsible for Akash's death. As a result of the blockade, traffic towards Rameswaram has been diverted via alternative routes through Sivaganga and Kamudhi, causing significant disruptions.
Court Proceedings and State's Submission
When the matter was brought before the Madras High Court, the state government submitted that the ongoing blockade of the national highway was adversely affecting the general public. Justice L Victoria Gowri orally instructed the family members of the deceased to use media channels to request that protesters disperse from the location.
This directive followed a hearing on Monday, during which the state informed the court about the highway blockade and its impact while addressing a petition filed by Akash's father, A Rajeshkannan. Counsel for the petitioner had previously committed to conveying a request through the family to the protesters to end the demonstration.
The court's intervention highlights the balancing act between addressing public grievances over alleged police misconduct and ensuring minimal disruption to essential services and daily life. The situation remains tense as authorities and the community await further developments in the investigation into Akash's death.
