Kochi: A Tamil Nadu native died while in police custody at the Thrikkakara police station early on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Baburaj (50), a native of Avalloor in Dindigul district. According to the first information report (FIR), residents spotted Baburaj behind a church at Chembumukku in Vazhakkala under suspicious circumstances and alerted the police control room around 10.38 pm.

Police reached the spot and questioned him. As he was unable to provide details beyond his name and native place, the police arrested him and took him into preventive detention. He was later taken for a medical examination and a case was registered under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows arrest without a warrant to prevent the commission of cognisable offences.

At around 2.50 am, Baburaj reportedly showed symptoms of epilepsy and was immediately shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead at around 3.11 am. A case has been registered under section 194 (unnatural death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and an investigation is underway.

According to local resident Martin Joseph, people alerted him that a man was hiding behind vegetation near his house. "People alerted me, and we questioned him, but he did not give a proper response and appeared disoriented. He did not clarify what he was doing behind the church building. We had not seen him in the area before, so we immediately alerted the police," he said. Martin later went to the hospital with the police. "When the police took him into custody, he appeared to be in good health," Martin added.

Meanwhile, officers from the Thrikkakara police station said Baburaj was arrested and kept in preventive custody after following all due procedures. "Immediately after he was taken into custody, he was brought for medical examination as per procedure. He was fine at the time. Later, he suddenly developed symptoms while at the station. Only after the autopsy report is received can we confirm the exact cause of death," an officer said.

Police said Baburaj's family has been informed and is on the way, after which the post-mortem examination will be conducted. Officers will also examine CCTV footage from nearby areas to ascertain why he was in the area.