Kin of Dalit youth in Keralam’s Kottayam accuses police of custodial torture

The family of a Dalit youth from Peringalam in Poonjar, Kottayam, has accused the Erattupetta police of assaulting him during questioning in connection with a suspected cable theft. The youth, who was taken for questioning on Friday, is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam.

The youth, Abhilash, was taken from his house by a police team on Friday morning as part of the investigation into the theft of electric wires, according to his family. Vineesh, Mr. Abhilash’s brother, alleged that the police assaulted him at their house and later inside a vehicle while taking him to the Erattupetta police station. The personnel allegedly slapped him and hit him on his legs and head inside the vehicle.

The police team did not initially identify themselves when they arrived at the house and used abusive language while taking Mr. Abhilash away, Mr. Vineesh alleged. He has lodged a complaint with Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese.

Scheduled Caste promoter Jishnu Thankachan said Mr. Abhilash was released after his statement was recorded at the police station. However, the youth complained of weakness and a headache after his release. He was first taken to the Pala General Hospital and later shifted to the medical college Hospital in Kottayam for further treatment. Mr. Thankachan said he would submit a report on the incident to the Scheduled Tribes Development department (STDD).

Meanwhile, Mr. Varghese denied the allegation of custodial assault. He said the police were investigating the theft of KSEB electricity wires following a landslip in the Poonjar area last month. Mr. Abhilash was summoned to record his statement as he was believed to have information about those involved in the theft, the officer said.

“A four-member police team went to his house on Friday and found him heavily intoxicated. The team initially took him in a private vehicle and later shifted him to a police jeep. He was taken to a hospital for a medical examination before being brought to the police station,” Mr. Varghese said.

After recording Mr. Abhilash’s statement, the police called the Scheduled Caste promoter to the station. Mr. Abhilash and the promoter were allowed to go out for lunch before returning to complete the statement. Mr. Abhilash was subsequently sent home with the promoter, the officer added.

Mr. Varghese said the police had not established Mr. Abhilash’s involvement in the theft and that further investigation was required to determine whether he had any role in the offence.

Mr. Abhilash works as a casual labourer for a KSEB contractor.