Govt job to wife of man who died of torture

The Kerala government Wednesday decided to give a government job to the wife of a man who died due to alleged custodial torture on June 12.

The state cabinet, which met today, also decided to provide a financial aid of Rs 16 lakh to the family of the deceased.

An equal amount of Rs four lakh each would be deposited in the bank accounts of his three children and mother.

"The amount will be given from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The guardian can withdraw the interest for the purpose of the education of the children.

The amount can be withdrawn once the children become majors," a government press release said.

Forty nine-year-old Rajkumar, who was taken into custody on Jne 12 in connection with a financial fraud case, died on June 21 in Peermedu sub-jail due to alleged custodial torture.

As per the post-mortem report, he had suffered serious injuries and had critical wounds on both legs below the knees.

Four police personnel -- including a Sub Inspector, Assistant Sub Inspector and two drivers of Nedumkandam police station -- had been suspended and eight others transferred in connection with the incident.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had assured that the government would not protect any erring policeman involved in the case.

"No one has the right to keep any person in custody illegally or beat them to death.

Such people will no longer be there in the state police service," he had told the state Assembly.