Thrissur: While visuals of a Youth Congress leader being tortured at Kunnamkulam police station have sparked public outrage, CCTV footage of a similar incident from Peechi police station in the district has now surfaced.

The visuals of custodial torture at the Peechi police station have come to light through a Right to Information (RTI) application. The incident, which occurred on May 24, 2023, was revealed after a prolonged legal battle by K P Ouseph, owner of Laly’s Group in Pattikkad, Thrissur. Ouseph had filed the RTI application after he and his son, Paul Joseph, were allegedly humiliated by police officers at the station.

The CCTV footage shows restaurant manager Rony being assaulted inside the station house officer’s (SHO) room, while another staff member, Libin, was attacked by another officer. The dispute began after customers raised complaints about food served at Ouseph’s restaurant, Food & Fun.

According to Ouseph, then Sub-Inspector P M Ratheesh summoned Rony and Libin to the station, where he allegedly threatened to file grave charges such as attempt to murder and POCSO unless a hefty sum was paid. The officers later accepted a bribe of ₹5 lakh, after which the complainants withdrew their case. CCTV footage of the cash being handed over has also surfaced.

The next day, Ouseph approached the Ollur Assistant Commissioner of Police, who ordered an immediate probe. He then submitted a formal complaint to Commissioner Ankit Ashok, who forwarded it to the Chief Minister and the DGP. However, no action followed. Frustrated, Ouseph appealed to the State Information Commission, which eventually led to the release of the CCTV footage.

In a twist, SI Ratheesh, who was allegedly involved in the assault, was later promoted to Inspector and is currently posted at the Kadavanthra police station. Ouseph has alleged that despite the availability of clear evidence, justice has been denied.

Adding to the controversy, a letter from the State Police Chief to district police chiefs shows that senior officials were aware of the incident but remained silent, expressing concern only about the possibility of the video going viral online.

CPM leader alleges torture
A local committee secretary of the CPM, the ruling party in the state, in Kollam has also alleged torture by the police. In a Facebook post, Nedumpana local committee secretary Sajeev said that Andrik Gomez, station house officer (SHO) of Kannanalloor, had physically assaulted him.

As per Sajeev, he had reached the police to mediate in a family dispute. However, the SHO was provoked during the discussion and he grabbed Sajeev by the neck and pushed the latter back. Sajeev also said in the post that his post was not against the party. He explained that he was only describing a true experience and did not fear expulsion from party positions over the revelation.