Custodial death: Ker govt to give Rs 10 L aid to man's family

The Kerala government today decided to give financial aid of Rs 10 lakh to the family of a 26-year-old man, whose alleged custodial death last month had triggered widespread protests against the state police.

A decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here.

It was also resolved to offer a job to the wife of the man, S R Sreejith, hailing from Varapuzha in Ernakulam, in a state-run institution as per her qualification.

"The financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh will be granted from the Chief Minister's relief fund. The amount will be levied later from the police personnel who are held responsible for Sreejith's death," an official statement said.

Meanwhile, a police officer arrested in connection with the alleged custodial death of Sreejith was today granted conditional bail by a Magistrate Court at Paravur near Kochi.

Suspended Circle Inspector Crispin Sam of Parvoor was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) yesterday.

He was charged under Under Indian Penal Code Sections 342 (wrongful confinement) and 218 (public servant framing incorrect record) in connection with the custodial death of Sreejith.

Granting him bail, the Court directed the official to be present before the Investigating Officer as and when his interrogation was required in connection with the case.

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.

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

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