Kerala Man Dies After Custodial Torture Allegations; Minister Orders Probe
The Kerala Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala, has requested a detailed report from the State Police Chief following the death of a man allegedly due to custodial torture at the Kundara police station in Kollam district.
The deceased, identified as Siyad, was taken into police custody on June 16 in connection with the disappearance of a 13-year-old neighbour. His wife and daughter reportedly waited at the station until early June 17 seeking his release.
According to the family, Siyad was released after the missing child returned home, but he had sustained severe injuries, including fractured ribs, allegedly inflicted by police officers while being taken to the station. He later died at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital.
The incident sparked protests, with activists from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) demonstrating outside the Kundara police station on Monday. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan demanded immediate action against those responsible.
In a statement, Vijayan said Siyad's family alleged he died due to severe assault by police while in custody. His wife claimed the assault began while he was being transported in a police vehicle. The CPI(M) leader urged the government to identify and prosecute all responsible parties.
The Home Minister has not yet commented on the specific allegations, but the state police are conducting an internal inquiry. The case has reignited debates about custodial violence in India, with rights groups calling for greater accountability.
