Fort Kochi: Playing cricket in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions could prove costly for people.
A group of youths who were playing cricket in a private person’s property in Fort Kochi were beaten black and blue by police. Five persons were injured in the police action.
One of youths Shafiq, 21, who sustained serious injuries in the police onslaught, was admitted to Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam. Sabahia, 20, who sustained injuries to his eye was admitted to Ernakulam general hospital, Russel, Akshay and Asif were taken to the taluk hospital. The incident took place at around 6:30pm.
Soon after the incident, a huge crowd gathered in front of the Fort Kochi police station to protest against police high-handedness. With the angry crowd swelling in numbers, additional police force was requisitioned from the adjoining police stations. The crowd dispersed only after the assistant police commissioner gave a categorical assurance that action would be taken against policemen responsible for the incident.
"About 15 youths were there when the police party arrived at the spot. In no time they charged at the youths and beat them up badly using wooden planks," said a woman who lives nearby. Those who fell on the ground after receiving the beating were attacked again by the cops. Some of the youths jumped into the nearby Kalavathi canal to escape from the police brutality.
The police fled the scene after local residents started gathering at the spot. Subsequently, the local residents rushed the injured youths to the taluk hospital.
The unwarranted action by police has caused widespread anger and resentment among local people.
