The family of Vinayakan, who committed suicide following alleged custodial torture, demanded a CBI investigation into his death. Vinayakan’s father told Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes A.K. Balan, who called on the family at Engandiyur on Monday, that they did not have trust in the investigation by the Crime Branch.
Mr. Balan said there was a section in the police who still got violent once they saw a Dalit. “They have a criminal mindset. They think police stations are places for third degree and no one who once visits a police station should lead a normal life,” he said.
He said there was no delay in taking decision in Vinayakan’s case. “The case was handed over to the Crime Branch after I gave letter to the Chief Minister and the State Police Chief,” Mr. Balan said. The Minister said the government would consider expelling the policemen responsible for Vinayakan’s death, if they were found guilty.
Compensation
Kodikkunnil Suresh, MP, also demanded a CBI investigation into the case. He also sought a compensation of ₹1 crore to the family.
Mr. Suresh said he would raise the issue in Parliament. He compared Vinayakan’s death to Rohit Vemula’s case. Violence against Dalit communities was on the rise after the LDF came into power in the State, he said.
