Judicial probe sought into policeman’s death

Family to approach CM, SHRC

The family of a policeman from the Armed Reserve camp at Kallekkad in the district who was found dead on a railway track at Lakkidi, Ottappalam, a few days ago has demanded a judicial inquiry into his death.

The family is planning to approach Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) with the demand.

The body of Kumar from the Kunnam Chala tribal colony of Attappady was found on the rail tracks on July 25. The family alleged that he committed suicide after having been tortured mentally and physically at the police camp.

The Adivasi Action Council said they would fight it legally until those responsible for Kumar’s death were brought to book. The District Special Branch is to submit a report about the death soon. Though the report was to be submitted on Tuesday, it is likely to be delayed as the police higher-ups have demanded a detailed report about the allegations of racial and caste discrimination at the AR camp.

Racial insult alleged

The Adivasi Action Council alleged that Kumar had suffered racial insult from senior officers at the AR camp for over two months. Kumar had approached the District Superintendent of Police (SP) on July 17 with a complaint about the torture, and the SP had assured him that he would address it soon.