Chennai, Dec 13 (IANS): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa Friday termed custodial death a travesty of justice, noting the dead are not simply a statistic for their loved ones.

"When police are expected to protect the lives of citizens in their homes, work places and in public, it would be a travesty of justice if a citizen dies within the precincts of a police station," she said in her address at the police officers conference here.

Jayalalithaa said instances are reported of suspects dying suddenly after developing illness while in a police station or committing suicide while in custoday.

"When you arrest nine lakh people, an odd death in custody here and there may appear to be statistically negligible. But a dead man is not a mere statistic for his loved ones," said the chief minister, who holds the home portfolio.

She also urged police to strongly contest bail applications and ensure expeditious trial in cases.