Keralam govt. to pay ₹12.5 lakh compensation to Muthanga custodial torture victim

The Keralam government has announced a compensation of ₹12.5 lakh to K.K. Surendran, a teacher who endured custodial torture following his arrest in 2003 amid the Muthanga land agitation. The funds will be sourced from the personal assets of two former police officers deemed responsible for his unlawful arrest and mistreatment. The decision was made in adherence to a judgment from the Additional District Court-II in Kalpetta, dismissing further legal actions despite a government plea for an appeal.

This resolution provides significant relief to Mr. Surendran, who endured a 23-year legal struggle against his arrest, torture, and subsequent trauma. As stipulated by the Home Department, the compensation will accrue interest at a rate of 6% annually from the date of the initial lawsuit until fully compensated. Mr. Surendran recently met with Chief Minister V.D.

Satheesan, urging expediency in delivering the promised payment. The state has also directed the State Police Chief to pursue recovery from P. Viswambaran and V. Devaraj, former Sub-Inspector and Circle Inspector from Sulthan Bathery police station. The case originated on February 22, 2003, when Mr. Surendran, a senior lecturer at the District Institute of Education and Training in Sulthan Bathery, was apprehended without explanation during the Muthanga tribal protest.

Police subjected him to severe physical abuse, including ear strikes, foot stomping, and abdominal punches, denying him food and water, resulting in visible injuries. An Independent Central Bureau of Investigation investigation exonerated Mr. Surendran, clearing him from all charges related to the Muthanga incident.