Chennai: Drug overdose suspected after teenager collapses and dies on Pulianthope station platform, investigation launched

Chennai, May 26: An investigation has been opened by authorities following the sudden death of a teenager at Esplanade station in Pulianthope. The 17-year-old, identified as Zakir, collapsed shortly after vomiting on Friday afternoon at the train station on Friday, May 24. He was rushed to the Stanley Government Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. With initial suspicions pointing to a prescription drug overdose, authorities are awaiting the results of a viscera report to confirm the cause of death.

According to India time report, Zakir, the son of an autorickshaw driver, had left school after class 10 to help an electrician. According to the report, on the day of the incident, Zakir and his friend Kashif went to Loan Square in George Town to meet their friend Abinesh. Abinesh, a suspect in multiple assault and drug-related cases, was recently released on bail and is residing on the sidewalk. After spending time with him, Zakir started vomiting around 3 p.m. and later collapsed. Chennai Shocker: Teen dies after 'injecting drugs' during friend's birthday celebration at hotel.

He was rushed to the Stanley Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Hospital authorities immediately informed the police, who arrived shortly after and subsequently began an investigation. As Zakir's body was sent for autopsy, police noted injection marks on Zakir's hands and legs, indicative of prolonged drug abuse. His parents expressed shock at learning of their son's drug addiction, recounting his recent complaints of feeling unwell. Chennai Shocker: Teacher wakes up sleeping student in classroom under influence of drugs and gets hit on face in Wimco Nagar.

Authorities are also investigating drug trafficking networks operating in the region, with a senior official of the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department highlighting the influx of drugs from various states through courier services and online platforms. Efforts have been launched to curb this flow, including communicating with authorities in other states, although with limited success so far.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 26, 2024 12:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment & style life, log in to our website Latestly.com).