The Opposition walked out of the Assembly on Wednesday alleging that the brutal custodial interrogation of a financial fraud case suspect by the Nedukandom police at the behest of local leaders of the CPI(M) had caused his death in judicial custody in Idukki last week.
Congress lawmaker P. T. Thomas, who gave a notice for the motion to suspend routine business to discuss the matter, said ‘Puncture’ Ravi, branch secretary of the CPI(M) in Nedukandam, had dubious financial dealings with the victim Raj Kumar, 49.
He said Kumar had allegedly cheated several people out of their savings by promising high interests on their deposits in his private bank Haritha Finance.
The police had taken custody of Kumar in the presence of Ravi on June 12. However, they did not record his arrest and tortured him in their custody to trace the cash the suspect had purportedly stashed away.
The police recorded his arrest only on June 17, and he died at a local hospital on June 22. Forensic doctors counted 35 injuries on his body.
Kumar had told physicians who treated him that he had sustained the fatal trauma in police custody, Mr. Thomas said.
Special team
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's statement that he had constituted a special team to probe the “mysterious and uncertain circumstances” surrounding Kumar's death did not mollify the United Democratic Front benches.
The Opposition said District Police Chief, Idukki, had vicarious responsibility in the extrajudicial killing and sought his criminal prosecution.
Chennithala’s charge
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the Pinarayi Vijayan government had politicised the police force.
The CM had sidelined able and honest police officers and appointed pliant and corrupt ones to top positions at the bidding of his advisor.
So far, 32 people have died in police custody since Mr. Vijayan assumed power.
After Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan rejected nod for the motion, the Opposition walked out of the House.
