Relatives block road in Erode alleging suspicion in labourer’s death

The police detained around 80 relatives of Murugesan (47), a daily wage labourer who died on November 9 after falling ill, when they staged a road blockade near the Erode Government Hospital on Tuesday, demanding the arrest of those, they allege, responsible for his death.

Murugesan from Lakkapuram had been working on a farm in Tiruchengode, Namakkal district. He had reportedly been taken to work by his employer despite ill health and later died while undergoing treatment at the Erode Government Hospital.

Following his death, relatives alleged foul play and demanded that the police register a case and arrest the employer and others involved. They, along with members of the Tamil Puligal Katchi, staged a protest near the hospital roundabout.

The police held talks with the protesters, but as they refused to disperse, they were detained and moved to a nearby hall.