Custodial torture; SHO suspended

PATHANAMTHITTA: A Circle Inspector has been suspended over the incident where a person was found hanging dead four days after he was taken into police custody. The suspended officer is Pathanamthitta Koipuram CI G Suresh Kumar. The action was taken following allegations that the individual, who had been detained for using cannabis, was subjected to custodial assault.

The deceased, K.M. Suresh, a native of Varayannoor, had been taken into custody and charged with cannabis use. Police stated that he was later released on station bail. However, four days later, Suresh was found hanging in a plantation area within the jurisdiction of Konni Police Station.

Initially, no investigation was launched by the police. However, a postmortem examination revealed multiple injuries, including fractured ribs and bruises, suggesting he was beaten with a cane. Despite clear signs of physical abuse, the police delayed initiating a probe. It was only after the victim’s family filed a formal complaint and the case gained media attention that an investigation was ordered. The CI’s suspension follows a preliminary inquiry, which found credible grounds for action.

The suspension is based on three key allegations: custodial torture, unlawful confiscation of a vehicle, and seizure of the victim’s mobile phone. The inquiry report has been submitted to the Deputy Inspector General for further action.