Kerala custodial death: 3 policemen remanded to judicial custody

Idukki: The Peermade judicial first class magistrate court remanded three police officers to judicial custody in a custodial death case, on July 25. Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Roy P Varghese and civil police officer Jithin K George and home guard KM James were arrested on Wednesday after an investigation revealed their possible involvement in the custodial death of Rajkumar.

Also read: Kerala custodial death: Pinarayi Vijayan government orders judicial probe in case

On the same day, the Thodupuzha district sessions court rejected the bail plea of prime accused sub inspector KA Sabu and fourth accused CPO Sajeev in the case.

Rajkumar who was in police custody died on June 21, allegedly due to police torture while he was in custody in Nedumkandam Police Station. Rajkumar's post-mortem report revealed that there were signs of physical assault and 32 wound marks below his knees. Injury to his vital organs and pneumonia led to Rajkumar's death, it stated, adding that he could have contracted pneumonia from the injuries sustained.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that at least 20 policemen including the SI and circle inspector of Nedumkandam Police Station faced action against wrongdoings. And among the 20, 10 were suspended.

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In a similar incident, another victim raised a complaint of custodial torture against Nedumkandam Police. Hakkim was taken into custody on June 14 for an alleged fight. He was lodged at Nedumkandam Police Station, in Idukki, Kerala, when Rajkumar was also present. Hakkim told media that he had heard cries of the person from the next cell.

Hakkim was released by police 16 days later and is currently admitted in a private hospital for treatment. 

 

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