Kin of Dalit Youth in Keralam’s Kottayam accused police of custodial torture

The family of a Dalit youth from Peringalam in Poonjar, Kottayam has accused the Erattupetta police of assault during questioning in connection with suspected cable theft. The youth, who was taken for questioning on Friday, is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam.

According to his family, the youth Abhilash was taken away by a police team from his house on Friday morning as part of an investigation into the theft of electric wires. Mr. Abhilash’s brother Vineesh alleged that the police assaulted him at their house and later in a vehicle when they were taking him to the Erattupetta police station. Staff allegedly slapped him and hit him on the legs and head inside the vehicle.

‘Offensive language used’

The police team initially did not identify themselves when they arrived at the house and used abusive language while taking Mr. Abhilash away, Mr. Vineesh alleged. He lodged a complaint with Deputy Superintendent of Police Pala TM Varghese.

Scheduled Caste promoter Jishnu Thankachan said Mr. Abhilash was released after his statement was recorded at the police station. However, the youth complained of weakness and headaches after being released. He was first taken to Pala General Hospital and later shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital for further treatment. Mr Thankachan said he would submit a report on the incident to the Scheduled Caste Development Department (STDD).

He denies the allegations

Meanwhile, Mr Varghese has denied allegations of assault in custody. He said the police were investigating the theft of KSEB electric wires after the landslide in Poonjar area last month. Mr. Abhilash was summoned to record his statement as he was believed to have information about persons involved in the theft, the officer said.

“A four-member police team went to his house on Friday and found him heavily drunk. The team first took him in a private vehicle and later shifted him to a police jeep. He was taken to hospital for medical examination before being taken to the police station,” Mr Varghese said.

After recording Mr. Abhilash’s statement, the police called the Scheduled Caste promoter’s station. Mr. Abhilash and the promoter were allowed to go for lunch before returning to finish the statement. Mr. Abhilash was subsequently sent home with the promoter, the officer added.

Mr. Varghese said the police had not established Mr. Abhilash’s involvement in the theft and that further investigation was needed to determine whether he was involved in the crime.

Mr. Abhilash works as a casual laborer for KSEB contractor.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 19:15 IST