Prisoner’s death: Four cops suspended, five transferred

IDUKKI: Kochi range IG Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has taken disciplinary action against nine police officers in connection with the death of a 49-year-old remand prisoner.
A total of four officers from the Nedumkandam police station have been suspended following preliminary investigation into the alleged custodial torture. These include SI KA Sabu, ASI CB Rejimon, drivers Niyas and Sajimon and Antony.Five other officers from the station— CI Reji M Kunhiparambil, civil police officers Biju Lukose, Shaji, Rajesh and Geethu Gopinath—have been transferred, said officials. The disciplinary action was taken after serious irregularities were found in the preliminary investigation.
The CI has now been shifted to Mullaperiyar police station in Idukki.
“The disciplinary action has taken based on the preliminary inquiry report prepared by me. As per the case, the accused had cheated 34 women self-help groups of Rs 1.5 crore,” said Kattappana DSP N C Rajmohan.
Rajkumar of Kasturibhavan in Kolahalamedu was arrested on June 12 by Nedumkandam police for cheating self-help groups after collecting money from them. He was produced before the court only on June 16 and was lodged at Peermade sub-jail.
Rajkumar was admitted to the Peermade taluk hospital on June 21 and was declared dead soon after reaching the hospital. The postmortem report had indicated wound marks on his thigh and leg. His family members alleged that the wounds point to custodial torture.
Meanwhile, Mahesh Kumar on Tuesday suspended former Munnar SI K S Syamkumar, ASI N Rajesh, senior civil police officer M Thomas, CPO Abulkalam in connection with another custodial torture case under Munnar police station limits. The suspension was based on a report by Munnar DSP. CPOs Sureshkumar and Vinsil Rasheed were transferred to Idukki AR camp on Tuesday.
It was alleged that K Satheesh (46) of Chokkanadu, who was arrested in connection with criminal cases, was tortured at the police station on Saturday. The medical examination had also pointed at custodial torture.