Prisoner Sabari Varman dies in Nagercoil District Jail, kin demands probe

S. Sabari Varman | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A 35-year-old prisoner from Ethankad died in the district jail in Nagercoil on Monday (July 13, 2026).

According to the police, S. Sabari Varman, who ran a small shop in the neighborhood of his residence, was arrested on July 9 in connection with the sale of banned tobacco products. A case was registered at South Thamaraikulam police station and he was remanded in judicial custody in Nagercoil sub-district on the same day.

It was reported that Sabari Varman was found unconscious in his cell in the early hours of Monday. He was immediately rushed to Kanniyakumari Government Medical College and Hospital in Asaripallam, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival. His relatives gathered at the entrance of the hospital and demanded an inquiry into his death. They said they would not accept the body until the cause of death was determined.

District Superintendent of Police Kanniyakumari R. Stalin interacted with the protesters and assured them that action would be taken based on the post-mortem findings.

A senior police official told The Hindu that Sabari Varman had no injuries on his body during the medical examination conducted before he was taken into custody. Doctors from Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts would conduct the autopsy. Based on the autopsy report, further investigation and action would be initiated.

Published – 13 Jul 2026 19:44 IST