‘Demanded Rs 5 lakhs, threatened to impose POCSO case'; Serious complaint in Peechi custodial torture

THRISSUR: Another custodial torture in Peechi police station has been reported soon after the Kunnamkulam custodial torture came to light. Son of owner of Lalys Hotel in Pattikkad and an employee were subjected to brutal attack in the station. The incident happened on May 24, 2023. The footage of this surfaced the other day. The hotel owner K P Ousep got the CCTV footage of the attack in Peechi station after one and a half years of legal battle.

A dispute with the customer, who had come to have food, led them to reach the police station. One from Palakkad had informed the police that he was attacked by the hotel employees. Following this, the officers led by the then SHO P M Ratheesh, attacked our manager Rony Johnny and driver Lithin Philip, who reached the station.

The SHO had also attacked Ousep's son Paul Joseph, who reached the station after knowing it. He was put in the lockup. Was directed to settle the complaint. The complainant demanded Rs 5 lakh for settlement. The complainant had informed Ousep that Rs 3 lakh is for the police. Ousep handed over Rs 5 lakh in front of the CCTV at home.

Ousep responded to the media in this regard. 'The SHO threatened that if the money was not paid, a case would be filed against his son and the employee under sections including attempt to murder and POCSO. He said that a POCSO case would be filed for trying to attack the child who was with the complainant. The complainant demanded Rs 5 lakh. Many including grade sub inspector Jayesh and others were with them.

After handing over the money, he said that he has no complaint. Grade SI Jayesh's personal enmity also led to the case. One of his relatives were found stealing goods worth Rs 9000 from our supermarket and that is the reason for the enmity. My complaint was given to the DGP and the Chief Minister. Within a month of the incident, the SHO was transferred to Cheruthuruthy as circle inspector. He is now in charge of law and order at the Kadavanthra police. After the information emerged, DIG Harishankar called me. He asked me to send all the information. He said that strong action would be taken. Those who committed criminal acts should not be suspended,' said Ousep.