Thrissur: The SC/ST Court here has directed the Crime Branch to charge police officers with abetment to suicide in the case of Dalit youth Vinayakan's death in Engandiyoor. The directive follows a petition filed by Vinayakan's father.

The Crime Branch's initial charge sheet, submitted to the Thrissur Principal Sessions Court, had accused police officers Sreejith and Sajan of assaulting Vinayakan at the Pavaratty police station.

The officers were charged with unlawful detention, assault, intimidation, and violations of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Although the officers were suspended, abetment to suicide charges were not included in the charge sheet.

The incident dates back to July 17, 2017, when Vinayakan, a 19-year-old, was taken into custody from Pavaratty, reportedly for speaking with a friend in the area and being accused of a chain theft.

He was allegedly assaulted at the police station and later released with instructions to cut his hair. The following day, he was found dead by suicide at his home. Vinayakan's family claimed that the assault and humiliation by the police drove him to take his own life.