Manoharan death custody torture, Police trying to topple case; family accuses

KOCHI: The family of the late Manoharan made premonitions about the police trying to topple the case. They repudiated the police stance of the death being a heart attack and had nothing to do with custodial torture. The hill palace police were at the receiving end of accusations after Manoharan was seen being taken to the police station amidst slaps and beating from officers.

The family denies the heart attack theory to a fully fit Manoharan. He was taken to the police station for doubts about drunk driving. However, the test proved negative and the police beating in full public view made Manoharan frail and humiliated. He later called a friend to bail him out and collapsed to death inside the police station. The family also showed their disapproval of only suspending the SI in this case but accused the roles of other officers who similarly took turns to beat Mnaoharan.

The incident happened two days back. Manoharan while returning from work was stopped by police who waited in corners for a vehicle check. Manoharan stopped the vehicle a tad ahead of the police which incensed the khakis. The police started a slap fest, said one witness Latha. He was taken into custody even while the test turned negative.