A warden of Salem Central Prison was placed under suspension after a medical test allegedly confirmed the presence of alcohol in his blood during a judicial inquiry into the death of an inmate.

Sources said that Muthulingam, an inmate lodged in the prison in connection with a sandalwood smuggling case, died on May 21 due to illness. As part of the statutory inquiry into the custodial death, a judicial officer visited the prison and examined officials associated with the inmate’s treatment and transportation.

During the inquiry, the judicial officer reportedly suspected that warden Gunasekaran, who had accompanied the inmate in an ambulance, was under the influence of alcohol. Though the warden denied consuming liquor, prison authorities were directed to verify the allegation.

A blood sample collected from Gunasekaran at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital was sent for analysis. The report allegedly indicated the presence of alcohol in his blood. Based on the findings, Superintendent of Prisons V. Vinoth placed the warden under suspension pending further inquiry.

Sources said disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against three other prison personnel, Ravikumar, Bhagyaraj and Balamurugan, who were allegedly found to have consumed alcohol during an inspection. Memos have been issued to them under the relevant service rules.