Thodupuzha: A recent custodial death in Kerala reveals third-degree methods are still employed by cops in the state.
The post-mortem report of remand prisoner Kumar, who died in police custody at Peermade sub-jail in Kerala's Idukki district on June 21, confirmed that he was subjected to the notorious custodial torture known locally as 'uruttal' which is practised by rolling a heavy wooden log over a person. 'Uruttal' had come into spotlight in the state decades ago with the sensational Rajan case.
In all 14 wounds and seven bruises were found on Kumar’s body, and four of his rib bones were broken, as per the autopsy report. The report also said that pneumonia was the cause of the death. The forensic experts explained that the brutal assault coupled with starvation led to pneumonia.
There was a total of 22 injuries on his body, including wounds and bruises on his thigh and foot sole. The skin on his legs had worn off. Fingers on his legs, hands and even lower lips had suffered injuries.
The autopsy report also pointed out that Kumar was forcefully banged at some place. Four unnatural bruises were found from thighs to the foot. Most of the injuries were below the knee.
The forensic experts said that blunt objects could have been used for the assault. The autopsy report findings support the allegation that Kumar was not even given water to drink.
Another inmate at the Peermade sub-jail, Sunil Sukumaran, had said that he had seen Kumar begging for water and collapsing on to the floor on June 21 morning. Though Kumar had complained of chest pain on the previous night, he was not taken to the hospital, Sunil pointed out.
Kumar, 49, was detained in connection with a financial fraud case on June 12. A native of Vagamon in Kottayam, Kumar died on June 21 allegedly due to custodial torture.
Even in photos taken by the police on the day after Kumar was taken into custody, his face had assault marks. The photo was taken after the police took Kumar for evidence gathering at his house at Kolahalamedu in Vagamon. The photo was sent from the Nedumkandam police station to a cop at Vagamon, enquiring about him.
Apathetic jail chief?
It is said that jail superintendent Rishi Raj Singh did not intervene even after coming to know that Kumar was brought to the Peermade sub-jail in a physically weak condition.
Another charge that is being made is that the accused was admitted into the sub-jail without a medical certificate, which was against the norms.
However, Rishi Raj Singh said that he did not want to react to the allegations now. "Let the reality be revealed through the Crime Branch investigation," he said.
Bribe-accused officer in probe team?
The special squad formed to probe the custody death comprises of an officer who is facing department-level inquiry for taking bribe. He had allegedly taken Rs 25 lakh from a film producer to recover Rs 70 lakh given for a medical seat at a Mangalapuram college. He is the detective inspector in the current team.
The erring officer was suspended by the former Kochi range IG Vijay Sakhare nine months ago. The cop with the help of a prominent leader of the ruling party in Kottayam re-joined the service and was posted in the Idukki unit.
The film producer, a native of Puthuppally in Kottayam, had reportedly given Rs 70 lakh for two MBBS seats at the medical college. After realising that the college did not have accreditation, the producer sought back his money but the college authorities refused to comply. The film producer approached the Kottayam police with a complaint. The accused officer, who was then posted in Kottayam, probed the case. He colluded with his colleagues and decided to take up the ‘quotation’. He along with a group of six, including women cops, reached Mangalapuram. The college administrator was reportedly tied up and taken to Kottayam in a car, and threatened. The producer got back his Rs 70 lakh, but it was alleged that the cop took Rs 25 lakh for his ‘service’.
The departmental inquiry against him is yet to be completed.
Kottayam additional SP A Naseem is in charge of this probe.