Chennai: Two days after an inmate died in custody at a jail in Nagercoil, the Puzhal central prison in the city reported the death of its prisoner P Balaji of Selaiyur, 45, reportedly due to heart attack on Wednesday.Police said Balaji was arrested on July 12 for smuggling tobacco products, and remanded him in judicial custody. Police seized 514kg of banned gutka and pan masala from the accused and lodged him at Puzhal prison.On Wednesday morning, Balaji complained of chest pain, following which prison personnel rushed him to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital. However, he died on the way, police said. His body has been kept at the hospital mortuary for postmortem. Prison officials said he had history of diabetes and was undergoing treatment. His wife Vaijayanthi claimed Balaji was unwell and no treatment was provided to him in jail.The Puzhal police have registered a case and initiated an inquiry. Meanwhile, Balaji’s family has alleged suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and sought a detailed probe.
