2 policemen suspended after death of youth in custody

MELATTUR: Two policemen have been suspended following the death of a youth, Panthallur Kadampod Thekkekkara Alungal Moitheenkutty (36), in police custody after collapsing at the station. Civil police officers Antus Vinson and TP Shamseer of the Pandikkad police station are the suspended individuals.

The incident occurred during the Panthallur Vela festival, with a conflict arising around 5 pm on Monday. Subsequently, seven people including Moitheenkutty, were arrested and taken to the station where he collapsed. He was then admitted to a private hospital in Perinthalmanna but died at 7 am on Tuesday. While relatives alleged that the youth died due to police assault, the police clarified that he died of a heart attack.

Dr Mathew Paul, cardiologist at Maulana Hospital, stated that upon arrival at the hospital, Moitheenkutty displayed symptoms of heart disease, with severe blocks found in his angiogram. Following a post-mortem conducted in the presence of Perinthalmanna Judicial First Class Magistrate (2) TK Yahia, led by Perinthalmanna Sub Collector Apoorva Tripathi, the body was taken to Mancheri Medical College for further examination at around 1.10 am.