Puzhal prison inmate dies on way to Stanley hospital, family alleges negligence
An undertrial prisoner from Selaiyur died on Wednesday while being transported from the Puzhal Central Prison to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai, reportedly after suffering a heart attack. The deceased, 45-year-old P Balaji, had been in judicial custody since his arrest on July 12. Following his death, his family has alleged suspicious circumstances and medical negligence, prompting the Puzhal police to register a case and launch an inquiry.
According to police reports, Balaji was arrested earlier this month on charges of smuggling tobacco products. During the operation, law enforcement officers seized 514 kilograms of banned gutka and pan masala from his possession. Following his arrest, he was remanded in judicial custody and lodged at the Puzhal Central Prison.
On Wednesday morning, Balaji complained of acute chest pain to the prison authorities. Prison personnel immediately arranged for him to be rushed to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for emergency medical care. However, police officials confirmed that Balaji died while on the way to the medical facility. His body has been moved to the hospital mortuary, where it is being kept pending a postmortem examination.
Prison officials defended their actions, stating that Balaji had a known medical history of diabetes and was receiving appropriate treatment while in custody.
However, Balaji’s family has strongly contested the claims made by the prison administration. His wife, Vaijayanthi, claimed that Balaji was severely unwell during his time in prison and alleged that no medical treatment was provided to him by the jail authorities. The family has raised concerns over the circumstances of his death, calling them suspicious and demanding a detailed probe into the matter.
The incident comes just two days after another inmate died in custody at a jail in Nagercoil. In response to Balaji's death, the Puzhal police have registered a formal case and initiated an inquiry to investigate the allegations and determine the exact sequence of events.
