Custodial death protest: Locals scuffle with cops, damage van

Tension today prevailed in Marangattupilly, the native place of the 40-year-old man whose death is alleged to have been caused due to custodial torture, with protesters scuffling with police as they demanded a thorough probe into the matter.
Not satisfied with the Crime Branch probe ordered by the state government into the death of Siby, locals led by CPI(M) leaders, including its Kottayam district secretary, VN Vasavan, blocked the road leading to the police station with his body.
They were demanding adequate compensation for the kin of the victim, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, and a thorough probe into the incident.

The protesters -- who are alleging that torture in custody at a local police station near Pala on the night of June 29 led to the death of Siby, a father for three -- engaged in a scuffle with police and damaged a police van.
They agreed to disperse only after top police officials and the district collector assured them that their demands would be met.
Tension, however, was still palpable in the area even as a dawn to dusk hartal has been called tomorrow over the incident.

The body of the victim was brought to Marangattupilly after autopsy at the Medical College hospital as per the procedures laid down by the Human Rights Commission. His body is expected to be cremated tomorrow.

The CPI(M)-led LDF has called for a dawn-to-dusk shut down in Kottayam district tomorrow to protest against the "killing" of Siby.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police, TP Senkumar, said mandatory medical examination was not conducted on Siby after he was taken into custody on June 29. He has ordered that medical check-up be done on people who are arrested.
Casting a shadow of alleged custodial torture over Kerala Police, Siby succumbed to severe head injuries at Government Medical College here yesterday.
George Kutty, Sub Inspector of Marangattupilly police station, has been suspended for alleged lapses on his part after taking Siby into custody.

Siby's relatives have alleged that he was subjected to custodial torture due to which he suffered severe head injuries. Police, however, have refuted the charges.