Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged custodial death of Sreejith, a native of Devaswompadam in Varappuzha.
Speaking to the media after visiting Sreejith’s residence on Thursday, Mr. Chennithala said the government had not taken any action against the Varappuzha sub-inspector, against whom allegations were raised from various quarters, and added that the officers who were involved in the incident should be removed from service.
“The police officers have violated all guidelines while arresting Sreejith. The statements of his mother and wife suggest that a few persons wearing saffron dhoti and shirt had taken him from his house.
As per rules, if a person is taken into custody at night, a medical check-up should be conducted on him. The rule was flouted in this case,” he noted.
Mr. Chennithala said Sreejith’s was the sixth case of custodial death after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assumed office. “Lock-ups in the State are turning deathbeds, and the Chief Minister is keeping mum on the issue,” he alleged. He also sought a probe into the alleged involvement of the CPI(M) in the episode. He was accompanied by V.D. Satheesan, MLA; DCC president T.J. Vinod, and former MP K.P. Dhanapalan.
