Kunnamkulam custodial torture: Four, including SI, suspended

Thiruvananthapuram: Four police officers accused of custodial torture of Youth Congress leader V S Sujith at Kunnamkulam police station were suspended from service on Saturday. Earlier in the day, DIG Hari Shankar had recommended their suspension in a report submitted to North Zone IG Raj Pal Meena. The IG has also summoned the records to review the punishment.

SI Nuhman, Sajeevan, Sandeep, and Shashidharan, who were involved in the custodial torture of the YC leader, have already faced an "incremental bar" based on departmental action. The DIG, in the latest report, has recommended severe punishment for the erring officers, especially since the court has registered a criminal case against them. State Police Chief Rawada Chandrashekhar had clarified that action would be taken based on the recommendation. The DIG's report has recommended their suspension to ensure a transparent investigation.

Shuhair, another accused, is currently working in the Local Administration Department. Therefore, departmental action is not possible.

The police had recently sought legal advice regarding the action. This was because there was a legal impediment concerning the action. In light of the CCTV footage of the assault being released, officers, including DIG Hari Shankar, had sought strict action against the officers.

Following the DIG's recommendation, Sujith said at a press conference that he was not satisfied with the decision. He stated that the officers should be dismissed from service, as they are unfit to hold any position in the police force. He further added that, in addition to the four officers, police driver Shuhair — who was present when he was taken into custody — must also face action. "All five police officers must be dismissed," Sujith said.

Meanwhile, the Congress party announced that it has decided to strongly pursue the case against the four officers.

There were concerns in the police that, since the court has registered a criminal case, if further action is taken, the implicated police officers might approach higher courts.

However, senior police officers took the stand that the court case would not be an obstacle to reconsidering and proceeding with departmental action against them.