The body of torture victim Akash Delison has been taken for cremation on a court order

Family members of Akash Delison, who died allegedly due to custodial torture, engaged in a heated argument with police personnel outside the mortuary at Rajaji Government Hospital in Madurai on Wednesday | Photo credit: R. Ashok

Madurai district authorities on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) took the body of 26-year-old Akash Delison, who died on March 8 allegedly due to custodial torture by the Manamadurai police, to the Thathaneri crematorium after his family members refused to accept his body.

Amid tight security, the body was taken from the mortuary of Rajaji Government Hospital in Madurai as the family members along with their supporters staged a protest against the attempt to retrieve the body. The move comes after the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday (June 16) ordered officials to take immediate steps to dispose of his mortal remains with dignity.

Akash Delison. File

Family members said they would appeal the court order and seek more time for the cremation. However, the officials told them that they would carry out the court’s order.

As tensions mounted, 14 people were arrested for trying to prevent officials from moving the body. However, Akash Delison’s parents, sister and uncle were taken to the Thathaneri cremation ground where the body was cremated.

Family members oppose cremation of body of Akash Delison | Video Credit: R. Ashok

Published – 17 Jun 2026 12:20 PM IST