Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered that a judicial probe will be conducted in the case of the custodial death of Rajkumar. He told media that strict action would be taken against the criminals in the force and that the Nedumkandam custodial death is “unjustifiable”.

Vijayan said Justice K Narayana Kurup, former Madras high court chief justice has been entrusted with the investigation. Meanwhile, the state government is also examining the complaint against Idukki sub-inspector (SI) Sabu, the main accused in the case. 49-year-old Rajkumar, who was in custody, died on June 21 while he was taken to Peermade Taluk Hospital, Idukki after he complained of physical illness.

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.

On Thursday, Rajkumar's mother and relatives set out on a march towards the state assembly seeking intensification of investigation.

The state Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested two police officers including sub-inspector KA Sabu and civil police officer Sajeev Antony based on statements of eyewitnesses. The second and third accused in the case are still absconding. According to sources, the SI has confessed to the crime.