Custodial death: Victim's family moves Kerala HC for CBI probe

Alleging lapses in the police investigation into the 'custodial death' of a 26-year-old man near here, the victim's family has moved the Kerala High Court seeking a CBI probe into the incident.

""" Akhila, wife of S R Sreejith, who died after allegedly being tortured in police custody, on April 9, told reporters here that a petition has been filed in the High Court seeking CBI investigation in the case.

She has also sought Rs 1 crore compensation for the 'custodial death' of her husband to her and other dependents of the joint family within a time frame fixed by the Court.

In her petition, Akhila stated that she apprehends that the inquiry conducted by police against the officials from their department would not yield expected results. """ It is fair and proper to handover the investigation to the CBI, she said.

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

Four police personnel, including Varapuzha Sub Inspector Deepak, have been arrested so far in connection with the case.

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

Meanwhile, an identification parade of arrested policemen was held in the sub jail, Kakkanad, near here today.

Akhila said she identified the accused who took him into custody from their home.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly also demanded a CBI probe into the case.

He alleged the intervention of local CPI(M) leadership in the investigation in the case.

""" The CPI(M) district secretary P Rajeev rejected Chennithala's allegations and said the party never interfered in the police investigation.

Concluding his 24-hour hunger strike here demanding CBI probe into the incident, Chennithala alleged that there was Police raj in the state under the CPI(M) rule.

Sreejith, who was taken into custody 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 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 allegedly before he was taken into custody.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the incidents leading to Sreejith's death.

Aluva (Rural) SP AV George was transferred to Thrissur Police Academy.

Besides, four police personnel, including Varapuzha Sub Inspector Deepak, have been arrested so far in connection with the case.