Kin of Dalit youth in Keralam’s Kottayam accuses police of custodial torture

The family of a Dalit youth from Kottayam, Keralam has accused the Erattupetta police of subjecting him to custodial torture while in police custody. Abhilash, the youth in question, was taken into police custody on Friday following an investigation into a suspected cable theft. Vineesh, the youth's brother, claims that the police assaulted him both at their home and inside a vehicle while transporting him to the Erattupetta police station.

According to Vineesh, the police verbally abused Abhilash and physically assaulted him, slapping and hitting him on the legs and head. The police team did not initially identify themselves at the house or during the arrest, and Vineesh has lodged a complaint with Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police T.M. Varghese. Abhilash was released after his statement was recorded at the police station but complained of weakness and a headache upon release.

He was subsequently treated at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. Abhilash's brother, Vineesh, denies the allegations of custodial assault, stating that the youth was heavily intoxicated and that he was taken into custody as he might have information about those involved in the theft. Mr. Varghese, the police officer in charge, confirmed that the police were investigating the theft of electric wires following a landslip in the Poonjar area last month.

He added that Abhilash was not considered involved in the theft and that further investigation was required to determine his potential involvement.