Custodial Death in Nagercoil: Family Demands Expert Review of Autopsy Before Receiving Body
The family of S. Sabari Varman, who died in judicial custody in Kanniyakumari district, has refused to take possession of his body until an independent expert reviews the post-mortem report. The 35-year-old resident of Ethankadu died on July 14, 2026, while in judicial custody in Nagercoil.
On Thursday evening, Tamil Nadu Ministers S. Rajesh Kumar and Srinath visited the family to offer financial assistance, accompanied by District Collector M. Prathap and Superintendent of Police R. Stalin. However, the family declined the aid and insisted on verifying the autopsy report first.
Sabari Varman's sister stated that the family needed time to send the post-mortem video footage to People's Watch, a human rights organisation, for a second medical opinion. 'If they verify that the post-mortem report is genuine, I will take possession of the body the next second,' she said.
Henri Tiphagne of People's Watch confirmed that the footage was handed over to the family around 7 p.m. on Thursday. He explained that the footage is often provided in multiple segments that need to be compiled into a single video. This compiled version will be given to forensic experts for analysis, expected to be completed by Friday.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about custodial deaths in India and the demand for greater transparency in investigations. The family's insistence on an independent review underscores a lack of trust in official procedures.
