The body of 26-year-old Dalit youth Aakash Delison, who died allegedly due to custodial torture in Tamil Nadu, was cremated on Wednesday after remaining unclaimed for 101 days, following an order by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court.
The cremation took place under heavy police security at an electric crematorium amid emotional scenes and resistance from the family, who had refused to accept his body for over three months.
Aakash’s mother broke down during the last rites and, in a moment of grief, threw soil towards the policemen present at the site, accusing them of being responsible for her son’s death and saying justice would prevail.
Alleged Custodial Torture Led to Death
Aakash, a resident of Manamadurai in Sivaganga district, was arrested by the police on March 6 in connection with an assault case.
Police had claimed that he suffered a leg fracture while trying to escape custody. However, according to reports, Aakash later recorded a statement before a judicial magistrate alleging that police officers had brutally assaulted him and broken his leg.
He died on March 8 while undergoing treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.
A post-mortem examination reportedly found around 28 injuries on his body, raising serious questions about custodial violence.
High Court Ordered Murder Case Against Police
Following public outrage over the incident, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department on March 9.
Six police personnel, including an inspector and a sub-inspector, were suspended in connection with the case.
Taking suo motu cognisance, the Madras High Court on March 13 directed the CB-CID to register a murder case against the accused police personnel and invoke relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Family Demanded Arrest of All Accused
Aakash’s father, Rajesh Kannan, approached the court demanding ₹50 lakh compensation and the immediate arrest of all 16 police personnel allegedly involved in the incident.
For over three months, the family held a continuous protest near the old bus stand in Manamadurai, refusing to take the body until all accused officers were arrested.
However, on June 15, the Madras High Court ordered that if the family did not claim the body by 5 pm that day, the local administration should carry out a dignified cremation.
Questions Over Custodial Violence Remain
The case has once again brought attention to allegations of custodial torture and caste-based violence in the country.
Rights activists and members of the Dalit community continue to demand accountability and speedy action against all those responsible for Aakash’s death, saying justice remains incomplete until all accused are brought to book.
