The family members of custodial torture victim Akash Delison at Madurai Collectorate to submit a petition with the RDO on Tuesday.

| Photo Credit: R. Ashok

The family members of Akash Delison, 26, who died due to custodial torture, approached the Madurai RDO on Tuesday, demanding his ashes. Later in the day, they received the ashes.The youth’s body had been cremated by the Madurai City Police on July 17 on the direction of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Akash Delison of Krishnarajapuram Colony in Manamadurai in Sivaganga district died on March 8 after being assaulted by the police when he went for an inquiry in a criminal case.Following this, a CB-CID probe was ordered, and a case was registered against six personnel, including Thiruppuvanam Inspector Dileepan, who were subsequently suspended.In this situation, as per court guidelines, Akash Delison’s body, which had been kept at Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital mortuary for 102 days, was cremated at Thathaneri electric crematorium under the supervision of Madurai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Karunakaran and in the presence of his parents.Meanwhile, to collect Akash Delison’s ashes, his parents Rajeshkannan and Anandhi, along with members of the Federation Against the Murder of Akash Delison, appealed to the RDO to receive the ashes.Addressing the press before meeting the RDO, coordinator of the federation Lenin said, “While the court ordered the burial of Akash Delison’s body, the Madurai City Police instead cremated it at Thathaneri electric crematorium. The police have destroyed evidence to protect the accused in this case, which is illegal.”“In the Sattankulam Jeyaraj-Bennicks case, if someone says, ‘hang the police officers,’ will the police execute that immediately? They are suppressing those who protest against police atrocities,” he said.“When Akash Delison’s body was taken to the crematorium, we sought permission to speak to the District Collector to request a burial, but permission was denied. If a CBI probe is ordered in this case, how can the Central agency investigate now?” Mr. Lenin asked.He said they were going to meet the RDO to receive the ashes. Later in the day, following the instructions of the RDO, the ashes of Akash Delison stored at Thathaneri electric crematorium were handed over to the family members. Published - June 30, 2026 07:48 pm IST