Kerala custodial torture: 4 accused cops get suspended

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala administration suspended four police officials, including a Sub-Inspector, who were accused of custodial torture of a Youth Congress leader, though the victim wanted their dismissal. Reports on Saturday state that the move was after widespread protests by the main opposition Congress in the state, along with a recommendation from Thrissur Range DIG Harishankar.

According to Harishankar’s report to North Zone IG Raj Pal Meena, the suspension of the officers is required for a fair and transparent probe into the custodial torture of the victim, V S Sumith.

The suspended officers are Sub-Inspector Nuhman and Civil Police Officers Sajeevan, Sandeep, and Shashidharan, and it is learned that they had faced an increment bar under the departmental action previously.

The DIG’s report recommended stringent punishment as the four were named in criminal case. It also suggests that the disciplinary action taken so far should be reviewed.

The visuals, obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) appeal, show Chovannur Youth Congress mandalam President Sujith being mercilessly beaten by policemen inside the Kunnamkulam police station on April 5, 2023, IANS reported.

He had reportedly questioned police officers who were intimidating his friends standing by the roadside, a move that enraged Sub-Inspector Nuhman.

According to the footage, Sujith was dragged to the station in a police jeep with his shirt forcibly removed.

Once inside, more than three officers surrounded him and repeatedly struck him on the back and face while forcing him into a crouched position.

Medical examinations later confirmed that the assault caused Sujith hearing damage in one ear. Instead of registering the crime, the police filed a false FIR accusing Sujith of creating trouble in an inebriated state, obstructing duty, and harassing officers.