Alleged custodial death: Police driver suspended on graft

A police driver, who reportedly took bribe from a relative of a 26-year-old man who allegedly died in police custody, has been suspended, police said today.

The driver, Pradeep, allegedly took Rs 15,000 bribe from a relative of the deceased S R Sreejith promising his release soon after he was taken into custody at Varappuzha last month, they said.

A special investigation team (SIT) was set up to probe te death.

Sreejiths relative, who gave the bribe, had reportedly informed the SIT that the money was given to Pradeep who is the driver of suspended Paravur Circle Inspector Crispin Sam.

Pradeep reportedly returned the amount to Sreejiths relatives after hearing about his death allegedly in custody.

Following the allegations, he was suspended from service by the Ernakulam Rural SP, police said.

Sreejith, who was taken into custody in connection with the death of a 55-year-old man, died in a private hospital on April 9.

His relatives had alleged that Sreejith had died due to custodial torture.

Five persons, including circle inspector Sam, a Sub-Inspector and three members of the Rural Tiger Force (RTF) have been arrested in connection with Sreejith's death.