KOZHIKODE: Three policemen have been suspended in connection with the death of a youth in police custody in Vadakara. The suspended policemen are SI Nijeesh, ASI Arun and CPO Girish of Vadakara station. Kannur Range DIG Rahul R Nair has issued an order in this regard. The action is based on the conviction that there was a prima facie lapse in the police procedures.

Vadakara native Sajeevan (42) was taken into police custody on Thursday night over a vehicle accident case. Sajeevan's friends alleged that he was brutally beaten by the police. Sajeevan had complained of chest pain while in custody. However, it is alleged that the police did not take him to the hospital. Sajeevan collapsed soon after he came out of the police station. According to his friends, the police did not help them to take Sajeevan to the hospital despite their requests.

Meanwhile, the State Human Rights Commission has registered a suo moto case in the incident. K Baijunath, judicial member of the commission, demanded that the Chief of Kozhikode Rural District Police conduct an investigation and submit a report immediately. The commission will consider the case at the sitting held at the Kozhikode Collectorate conference hall on July 29.