Police torture behind Adoor DYFI's leader's death; Family raises serious allegations

ADOOR: The relatives of Nellimukul Kochumulil Joel (28), the former DYFI Adoor regional secretary, alleged police torture to be the cause of the youngster’s death. On January 1, 2020, Joel was taken into custody by the Adoor police following an argument over a road accident at the Adoor High School junction. He was taken to the station and brutally beaten up under the leadership of the then CI U. Biju.

After this incident, Joel developed serious health problems. It is reported that blood and pus came through his urine after the torture. He was then treated in the hospital for several months. Joel's paternal aunt, K.K. Kunjamma, who was alongside him at the time of police torture, alleged that she was also beaten up while trying to shield Joel.

Joel died on May 22, 2020. His parents, Joykutty and Mariyamma, filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and the DGP, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Adoor SHO Shyam Murali said that the family has investigated the circumstances surrounding Joel's detention under the Right to Information Act and assured that the police will respond as per the law. Joel was an accused in the 2013 murder case of bakery owner K. Babu, a native of Nellimukal.