Tribal Man Found Dead in Udumalpet Forest Office, Custodial Death Case Filed

Swift Summary

• Marimuthu, a 48-year-old resident of Kurumalai tribal settlement in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, reportedly ended his life in the toilet of the Udumalpet Forest Range Office in Tiruppur district on Thursday morning.
• The incident raised allegations of “custodial death” from his Mudhuvar tribal community adn prompted calls for a detailed examination.
• Marimuthu had been acquitted just a day earlier by the udumalpet Court from a ganja case filed against him and his kinsmen in 2022. He was returning to Kerala after completing legal formalities when he was intercepted for questioning regarding a purported wildlife offense.
• the Forest Department claims Marimuthu asked permission to use the restroom during interrogation before taking his own life. Though, speculation has emerged alleging foul play by Forest personnel.
• G. Selvan, State Joint Secretary of Tamil Nadu Tribal Association, along with Marimuthu’s wife Pandiammal (40), suspects murder during illegal custody rather than suicide. Pandiammal requested an in-camera post-mortem involving senior government officials.
• A case under section 196 (BNNS Act), related to custodial death, has been registered by Udumalpet police while further investigations are underway. Tribal rights activists have demanded that the probe be handed over to CB-CID under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The reported custodial death of tribal resident Marimuthu casts serious concerns about handling cases involving marginalized communities such as tribals.Clarity is essential when dealing with sensitive matters like this; demands for an impartial and thorough investigation under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities act seem valid given public distrust regarding institutional accountability.

This incident brings into focus tensions between law enforcement agencies-such as forest authorities-and local communities living near protected areas like tiger reserves. Allegations involving custodial deaths reinforce existing grievances among tribes who often face legal complications or accusations due to systemic issues rooted in historic marginalization.

How law enforcement institutions address these allegations could shape perceptions at both regional and national levels concerning justice delivery systems-especially their treatment toward vulnerable groups like tribals whose rights are constitutionally protected but frequently contested on-ground.Read More: [Link Unavailable]