The alleged custodial torture incident at the Kundara police station has taken a new twist, with the autopsy report indicating that the cause of death was Hepatitis C. However, with the victim's family sticking to its allegations, a high-level probe has been ordered to determine whether he was subjected to any bodily assault.

The death of Siyad, a private bus driver from Perumpuzha, after he was arrested by the Kundara police had triggered allegations of custodial torture from his relatives. This had prompted DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar earlier on Tuesday to assign Kollam Rural SP Shaji Sugunan to investigate the matter.

However, the autopsy report, which came in later, has added a new angle to the episode, indicating that Siyad's death was due to Hepatitis C.

"The postmortem report has revealed that the death was due to Hepatitis C. Further investigation is underway," Shaji Sugunan told Onmanorama.

However, according to the DGP, this would not affect the ongoing probe into the allegations of custodial torture.

"Though the postmortem report states that the death was due to Hepatitis C, a probe has been ordered into whether the victim was subjected to bodily assault," DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar told Onmanorama.

Siyad was arrested by the Kundara police on June 16 following a complaint from his neighbour, a young girl, over the disappearance of her brother. The missing boy, however, returned home the next day, after which Siyad was released.

The torture allegation came to light after a phone call between Siyad's daughter and Civil Police Officer Sreejith went viral on social media. In the conversation, the girl alleges that the CPO tortured her father, while the officer can be heard denying the allegations.

CPO Sreejith and SI Athul had arrested Siyad from his home. In the recorded conversation, it is alleged that even the complainant had witnessed Siyad being tortured by the officers.

"Siyad was known to be a decent man and was not involved in any problems. Prior to his arrest, he had no health issues," said Sindhu Gopan, president, Elampalloor panchayat.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister and Kundara MLA PC Vishnunadh alleged that the police officers had previously been involved in other incidents of misconduct and demanded immediate action against them.