Custodial death:HC directs CBI, Ker govt to inform stand on plea seeking probe

The Kerala High Court today directed the CBI and the state government to inform it of their stand on a plea seeking a probe by the central investigating agency into the alleged custodial death of a 26-year-old-man near here this month.

Considering the plea filed by Akhila, wife of S R Sreejith, who died after allegedly being tortured in tha police custody on April 9, Justice P Somarajan orally observed whether it was proper for police to conduct an investigation in a case in which policemen were the key accused.

The state government claimed that proper investigation was being carried out by the Special Investigation Team.

Four accused-- a Sub-Inspector and three policemen-- have been arrested in connection with the incident, the government said.

The court directed the CBI and the state government to inform it of their stand by May 4 on the plea seeking CBI investigation and posted the hearing to that date.

Sreejith's wife has sought Rs 1 crore compensation for the 'custodial death' of her husband to her and other dependents of the joint family within a timeframe fixed by the court.

In her petition, Akhila stated that she apprehends that the inquiry conducted by police against the officials of their department would not yield expected results.

"It is fair and proper to handover the investigation to the CBI," she said in the plea.

The role of other influential officers, including the district police chief (rural) and circle inspector of the area, should also be investigated, she said.

Currently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Crime Branch IG S Sreejith is probing the case.

S R Sreejith, who was taken into custody by police at Varappuzha near here in connection with the death of a person early this month, had died in a private hospital.

His relatives alleged that he died due to the custodial torture.

Others who were arrested along with Sreejith in connection with the death of the person also alleged custodial torture.

Police have rejected the allegation saying Sreejith was suspected to have suffered injuries during a clash before he was taken into custody.