Kottayam ragging case: Police conduct rapid evidence collection in secrecy; accused again in judicial custody

KOTTAYAM: The accused in the Govt. Nursing College ragging case were again sent to judicial custody yesterday. This was after rapid evidence collection and interrogation.

Accused K.P. Rahul Raj, Samuel Johnson, N.S. Jeeva, C. Rijil Jith, and N.V. Vivek were secretly brought to the college hostel. As opposition organisations continue their protest, accusing of sabotaging the case, evidence collection was conducted under heavy security. The accused explained the methods of ragging to the police. Dividers used for stabbing, dumbbells placed on the genitals, lotions and creams poured on the mouth and body, etc., were recovered. The interrogation was about accepting money from the victims through Google Pay. The mobile phones seized from the accused have been sent for scientific examination. District Police Chief Shahul Hameed informed that more information will be known only after the report comes. The investigation team announced that they will file a chargesheet soon. After the two-day custody period ended, the accused were taken to the Kottayam sub-jail.

The police delayed taking the accused into custody. They were taught how to give statements. Doubt arises as the evidence collection and interrogation were completed within two days. The year 2014 in the FIR is an attempt to save the accused. - Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, MLA