CHENNAI, July 24 -- A 24-year-old salesman at a Tasmac outlet in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district died on Thursday after being detained by police for questioning, with his family alleging custodial torture, a charge denied by the police. N Arunachalam, a resident of Amudha Nagar, was detained by Thoothukudi South police on July 17 in connection with the alleged illegal sale of liquor. Police said he was found in possession of 120 liquor bottles of 180 ml each and was booked under provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act. According to police, he was taken to the Government Medical College Hospital for a medical examination after his arrest and was certified fit with no external injuries. "While standing and conversing normally with the other inmates, he suddenly collapsed inside the lock-up. The incident was captured by CCTV cameras," a police officer said. Police said he was given first aid, released on station bail after his condition appeared normal and sent with relatives for further medical check up. "He later collapsed again near the hospital and was admitted for treatment. Despite treatment, he was declared dead on July 23," the official said. His family alleged he was assaulted by police in custody. "We want justice," his mother said. htc...