The family of a Dalit youth in Peringalam, Poonjar, in Kerala’s Kottayam district, has accused the Erattupetta police of assaulting him during questioning in connection with a suspected cable theft. The youth, identified as Abhilash, is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam.
According to a report by The Hindu, Abhilash was taken from his home by a police team on Friday morning, October 23, as part of an investigation into the theft of electricity wires.
His brother, Vineesh, alleged that police personnel assaulted Abhilash at their home and later inside a vehicle while taking him to the Erattupetta police station. He claimed that the personnel slapped him and hit him on his legs and head.
Vineesh also alleged that the police team did not identify themselves when they arrived at the house and used abusive language while taking his brother away. He has filed a complaint with Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese.
Youth Taken to Hospital After Release
Scheduled Caste promoter Jishnu Thankachan said Abhilash was released after his statement was recorded at the police station. However, the youth reportedly complained of weakness and a headache after returning.
He was initially taken to Pala General Hospital and later shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam for further treatment.
Thankachan said he would submit a report on the incident to the Scheduled Castes Development Department.
Police Deny Custodial Assault Allegations
Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese denied the allegations of custodial assault and said Abhilash had been summoned to record his statement in connection with the suspected theft of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) wires.
The police were investigating the theft of electricity wires following a landslip in the Poonjar area last month. Abhilash was questioned because he was believed to have information about those allegedly involved in the theft, the officer said.
According to Varghese, a four-member police team visited Abhilash’s house on Friday and found him heavily intoxicated. The team initially took him in a private vehicle before shifting him to a police jeep.
“He was taken to a hospital for a medical examination before being brought to the police station,” Varghese said.
The officer added that the police recorded Abhilash’s statement and called the Scheduled Caste promoter to the station. Abhilash and the promoter were allowed to go out for lunch before returning to complete the statement. Abhilash was later sent home with the promoter, he said.
Varghese maintained that investigators had not established Abhilash’s involvement in the theft and that further investigation was needed to determine whether he had any role in the offence.
Abhilash works as a casual labourer for a KSEB contractor. The allegations of assault have not been independently established.
