Published Nov 14, 2026 | 12:52 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 14, 2026 | 12:52 PM
CB-CID probe ordered into the case. (Screengrab)
A 42-year-old container lorry driver was found allegedly dead by suicide inside the toilet of Chekkanurani police station in Madurai district on Saturday, 14 November morning, triggering public outrage and questions over the circumstances surrounding his death while he was at the police station in connection with a complaint he had filed.
The deceased, identified as Balakrishnan, was a native of T. Azhagarnayakkanpatti near Devaram in Uthamapalayam taluk of Theni district. He was the son of Rangappan and worked as a lorry driver for a cardamom trader named Nagarajan from Madurai.
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According to preliminary information, Balakrishnan had transported a consignment of cardamom from Bodi to Madurai on November 3 in an Eicher container lorry bearing registration number TN 58 AL 3544. He subsequently reported that the vehicle had caught fire at Valandhur near Usilampatti in Madurai district.
Following the incident, a case relating to the fire was registered at Valandhur police station under Crime No. 113/2026. Balakrishnan, who was the complainant in the case, approached Chekkanurani police station on Friday night for further inquiry.
However, police reportedly found discrepancies in his complaint and decided to question him further to collect statements and evidence. He was asked to remain at the police station overnight. According to reports, he was accommodated in the police inspector’s room.
On Saturday morning, Balakrishnan reportedly entered the police station’s toilet and was subsequently found hanging. Police personnel recovered his body and sent it to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for post-mortem examination.
The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions, particularly because he had approached the police station as a complainant and was staying there for an inquiry into the fire involving his vehicle.
According to preliminary information shared by the police, Balakrishnan may have died by suicide out of fear after realising that the complaint he had lodged could potentially lead to action against him.
Police sources reportedly stated that personnel had gone to examine the CCTV footage when the incident occurred. However, the circumstances leading to his death and the sequence of events inside the police station remain under investigation.
Madurai District Superintendent of Police Devanathan visited Chekkanurani police station and conducted an inquiry into the incident. Security was also tightened at the police station following the death.
Southern Zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra Bidari said that CCTV footage from the police station was being examined to establish the sequence of events and ascertain the facts surrounding Balakrishnan’s death.
He also said that Balakrishnan had previously lodged a complaint in connection with the incident.
Since the death occurred inside a police station, a judicial inquiry would be conducted as per established procedures, the IG said.
He further confirmed that the investigation into the case would be transferred to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID).
The IG also stated that appropriate action would be taken against the police personnel who were on duty at the station when the incident occurred.
In a subsequent development, the Southern Zone IG confirmed that the Station House Officer (SHO) in charge of Chekkanurani police station and other police personnel who were on duty at the time of the incident had been placed under suspension.
Meanwhile, the incident triggered tension in Chekkanurani, with local residents expressing dissatisfaction over the police’s explanation of the death.
Residents reportedly questioned the sequence of events and alleged inconsistencies in the initial account provided by the police. They also indicated that they would lay siege to the police station and stage a protest demanding clarity over the circumstances surrounding Balakrishnan’s death.
Some residents also accused Chekkanurani police inspector Muthu of threatening and intimidating villagers unnecessarily in the name of conducting inquiries.
The allegations have added to the tension surrounding the incident, with residents demanding a transparent investigation.
With the judicial inquiry and CB-CID investigation ordered, the CCTV footage, post-mortem findings and statements of police personnel on duty are expected to be crucial in establishing the circumstances surrounding Balakrishnan’s death.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
