Published Jul 31, 2026 | 4:07 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 31, 2026 | 4:07 PM
(Representational image)
Synopsis: CB-CID officials are now planning to seek police custody of the three prison warders and the eight inmates for further interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation. The agency is expected to continue examining the sequence of events inside the prison and the role of each of the accused in the custodial death.
The CB-CID investigation into the custodial death of undertrial prisoner Sabari Varman at the Nagercoil Sub Jail has revealed fresh details about the alleged assault that led to his death.
Sabari Varman, 34, a differently abled man from Eethangadu near Suchindram in Kanniyakumari district, was arrested by Then Thamaraikulam police on July 9 after banned tobacco products were allegedly found in his shop. He was remanded to the Nagercoil Sub Jail, where he died on 13 July.
Following the incident, three prison officials and eight inmates were arrested on charges of murdering him. The prison officials were lodged in Nanguneri prison, while the eight inmates were shifted to Palayamkottai Central Prison. The case, which sparked widespread outrage in Tamil Nadu, was subsequently transferred to the CB-CID for investigation.
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As part of the probe, CB-CID South Zone Superintendent of Police Shajitha and her team conducted multiple rounds of inquiry at the Nagercoil prison. Investigators also separately questioned the three prison warders and the eight inmates lodged in different prisons.
According to information that has emerged during the investigation, Sabari Varman allegedly created a commotion inside the prison on the night of the incident, repeatedly saying that he wanted to go and see his wife and child. Other inmates reportedly complained to the prison staff about the disturbance.
Investigators have found that a prison warder initially reprimanded and assaulted Sabari Varman. When he allegedly continued shouting, the warders are suspected to have instructed the inmates to restrain him.
The CB-CID investigation has allegedly revealed that eight inmates, acting at the instigation of the prison staff, tied Sabari Varman’s hands and legs with a lungi before assaulting him. During the assault, he is said to have managed to loosen the cloth tied around his hands. Enraged by this, the inmates allegedly tore the lungi into two pieces, tied his hands again more tightly and continued to beat him.
The investigation has concluded that the sustained assault resulted in Sabari Varman’s death.
CB-CID officials are now planning to seek police custody of the three prison warders and the eight inmates for further interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation. The agency is expected to continue examining the sequence of events inside the prison and the role of each of the accused in the custodial death.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
