Kunnamkulam custodial torture: Strong action to be taken, four policemen including SI suspended; Opposition demands dismissal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, have been suspended in connection with the custodial torture case at Kunnamkulam police station. The action came within hours of receiving the inquiry report. Both the government and the police leadership were forced to act after the brutal assault on Youth Congress Chovannur Mandalam president V.S. Sujith sparked public outrage. Meanwhile, the Congress and the victim have made it clear that they will continue their protests until all accused officers are dismissed from service. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan also stated this on Friday.

The incident took place two and a half years ago at Kunnamkulam police station. Action has been taken against SI Nuhman (currently at Viyyur station), senior CPO Sasidharan (Thrissur Town East), and CPOs Sandeep (Mannuthy) and Sajeevan (Thrissur Town East). However, no action was taken against police driver Suhair, who is also an accused but has since been posted as a Village Extension Officer in Pazhayannur.

The government and the police had no option but to take action after CCTV footage of the assault came out following Sujith's legal battle. The Home Department directed the DGP to take strict action, and based on a report by DIG Harishankar, North Zone IG Rajpal Meena issued the suspension order. A departmental re-investigation will also be conducted, during which the accused officers will also be heard. Senior police officials have suggested dismissal from service, but the Home Department has not responded. There is debate on whether dismissal is possible while Sujith’s private complaint is still under trial. On Thiruvonam day, Youth Congress workers staged a protest in front of the Thrissur DIG office.

Sujith’s fight for justice

1. The assault took place on April 5, 2023. Sujith was beaten after he questioned policemen threatening a group of youngsters. Initially, the police tried to downplay the issue by stopping two increments of the accused officers. No action was taken against CPO Sasidharan.
2. Sujith filed a private complaint, following which the Kunnamkulam Magistrate Court directed the police to register a case. Despite serious ear injuries, the FIR only mentioned weak charges like “beating with hands.”
3. Sujith then approached the Information Commission demanding CCTV footage. Though the police tried to prevent it, the Commission ordered its release. Once the visuals came out in the media, both the police and government had no defence.

“Suspension is not enough. All accused must be dismissed. Action should also be taken against Suhair, who has been posted as Village Extension Officer in Pazhayannur.” — V.S. Sujith