Another custodial torture complaint against PM Ratheesh; Village Assistant accuses former Peechi SI of torturing him and demanding bribe of Rs 2 lakh

THRISSUR: Village assistant Azhar has raised serious allegations against PM Ratheesh, who was the Sub-Inspector at Peechi police station. Azhar alleged that Ratheesh had framed him in a false case, brutally assaulted him, and demanded a bribe of Rs 2 lakh.

He said the incident took place after he was called to the station over a boundary dispute with a neighbour. “While discussing the case, Ratheesh slapped me on the face, hit me on my legs, and then booked me under three non-bailable sections. Following the case, I was suspended from service,” Azhar told the media.

After a legal battle that lasted three years, Azhar was acquitted and reinstated in service. He further alleged that during the trial, Ratheesh came to his house, misbehaved with his wife, and threatened them not to speak out. Azhar said he would submit a formal complaint to the DGP regarding the incident.

Locals also claimed that many others were subjected to custodial torture at Peechi station during that period. Even people caught travelling without helmets were allegedly taken to the station and beaten.