'Rs five lakh bribe, custodial torture in Peechi'; Loss of face for Kerala police

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala police faced another embarrassment after the Peechi custodial torture video emerged just days after the horrific Kunnamkulam incident. The government is of the opinion, not to allow such officers to continue in service. Any act of shielding such officers is likely to backfire. The ruling parties are incensed over the conduct of the Nedumpana SI beating up Kollam Kannanallur CPM local committee secretary Sajeev, who went for mediation talks. Sajeev recently narrated his ordeal on Facebook.

An embarrassing situation ensued after party members stopped Sajeev while he was speaking in front of the media. The Home Department is heading for a no-compromise measure on this matter, but the organisational strength of police officers proves to be a hindrance. However, with custodial torture cases increasing, fingers are being pointed at the Chief Minister.

The District Crime Branch will investigate the incident of police roughing up employees of Pattikad Laly's Food and Fun Hotel at Peechi Police Station.

The incident began on May 24, 2023. Dinesh, a native of Palakkad Vandazhi, and his nephew Jineesh started an argument with hotel staff alleging poor quality food. The hoteliers informed the station, but the police did not arrive. Dinesh and Jineesh filed a complaint alleging that the employees manhadled them.

The footage shows SI Ratheesh slapping the hotel manager, Ronnie John and driver Livin Philip, after summoning them to the station.

Later, the hotel owner, K.P.Ouseph, released a video of him handing over money to the complainants at his own house. He alleged giving two lakhs to the complainant and that three lakhs to the police. The accused S I Ratheesh is now a CI in Kochi Kadavanthra.

1. Under Section 86(b) of the Police Act, a person can be dismissed from the force if he is convicted of crimes such as violence and immorality.

2. Even if not convicted, he can be dismissed under Section 86(c) if he is physically, mentally and behaviorally 'unfit' for police work.

3. Under the amendment to the Police Act brought in 2012, he can be dismissed for serious dereliction of duty.