Man taken into police custody during vehicle inspection dies, locals allege harassment

KOCHI: A motorist taken into custody during a vehicle inspection by the Tripunithura Hill Palace collapsed and died. The dead identified as Manoharan (53) of Irumbanam Chathanveli Parambil, was taken into custody Saturday night at 9.30 pm near Chaithram in Irumbanam. The police alleged that he drove the vehicle carelessly.

Manohar, who collapsed soon after bringing him to the station, was taken to Tripunithura Taluk Hospital but was referred to Ernakulam Medical Trust Hospital. By the time, he reached there, he was declared dead. The body is kept at the Medical Trust Hospital. The locals levelled allegations against the police in the incident. The locals said the police chased Manoharan when he failed to stop the vehicle and attacked him.