Kerala: Victim of moral policing on Valentine's Day hangs self

A 22-year-old youth has commited suicide after being assaulted and subjected to moral policing on Valentine's Day by a group of men who also circulated a video of his ordeal.
Aneesh was found hanging from a tree behind his house at Attapady in the district late last evening, police said today.
A suicide note recovered from the crime scene held two persons responsible for his death.
A case has been registered against the two persons mentioned in the note, under section 306 of IPC (Abetment of Suicide).
Aneesh and his female friend were allegedly attacked by a group of people in the garb of moral policing at Azheekel beach in Kollam district on February 14. The perpatrators also filmed the entire episode and circulated it on social media.

Based on the complaint filed by the victims, police have arrested three persons so far.

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Meanwhile, the State Human Rights Commission registered a
suo moto case and directed the Kollam district police to file a report after conducting a detailed probe into the incident.
The Commission member K Mohankumar also directed Palakkad District Medical Officer to file the postmortem report of the deceased, Aneesh.
The Commission sought both the reports within three weeks.
The FIR, if filed in connection with the Azheekel beach incident should be filed before the Commission, it said and sought the police to intervene and take steps to check the misuse of social media.

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Joining the issue, CPI-M veteran and State
Administrative Reforms Committee Chairman V S Achuthanandan today sought the state government to take stern action against those who indulge in moral policing.
"It is the duty of the police to intervene when there is an issue of law and order.. If that is taken up by goons, it will only lead to chaos," former Chief Minister said adding "That cannot be allowed."
Citing media reports, Achuthanandan said that in some cases the police has resorted to moral policing.
The authorities should be vigilant against this trend, he added.