CHENNAI, July 15 -- A 35-year-old repeat offender lodged in the Nagercoil sub-jail in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district died on Monday, triggering protests by his family, who alleged he was tortured in police custody.

According to the police, S Sabari Varman, who was physically disabled, was arrested on July 9 for allegedly possessing around 200 grams of gutkha at his shop in South Thamaraikulam, Nagercoil. He had been lodged in the Nagercoil sub-jail since then.

Police said Sabari Varman complained of health issues in the jail on Monday and was taken to the Kanniyakumari Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

On Tuesday, his relatives staged a protest, alleging he died due to custodial torture ...