The remand report also states that the SI KA Sabu didn't interfere and didn't report to senior officials that other cops in the station were assaulting Rajkumar.
Idukki: The Ettumanoor magistrate court has remanded main accused sub-inspector (SI) KA Sabu for 14 days, in the Nedumkandam custodial death case.
The state Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested two police officers including sub-inspector KA Sabu and civil police officer Sajeev Antony based on the statements of eyewitnesses. During the arrest, Sabu had fainted and was rushed to Kottayam Medical College Hospital.
The magistrate recorded the SI's statement at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. He was remanded after the hospital authorities deemed him physically fit and will be moved to Devikulam sub-jail.
The remand report also states that the SI didn't interfere and didn't report to senior officials that other cops in the station were assaulting Rajkumar. 49-year-old Rajkumar died on June 21 while he was taken to Peermade Taluk Hospital, Idukki after he complained of physical illness.
The second and third accused in the case are still absconding. According to sources, the SI has confessed to the crime.
Rajkumar's post-mortem report revealed that there were signs of physical assault and 32 wound marks were found 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 SI and circle inspector in the Nedumkandam Police Station faced action against wrongdoings. And among the 20, 10 were suspended.
In a similar incident, another victim has 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 the earlier victim Rajkumar was also present.
Hakkim told media that he had also 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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