Dalit youth Vinayakan’s death: Court says cops should be booked for abetment
In 2017, 19-year-old Vinayakan died by suicide after he was arrested by the police on charges of theft. Later, an investigation by the Crime Branch revealed custodial torture by two civil police officers.
The Thrissur SC and ST Court on Thursday, December 12 directed the Crime Branch to add abetment sections against the police officers accused in Dalit youth Vinayakan’s 2017 suicide in Thrissur’s Engandiyoor. The court ordered this while considering Vinayakan’s father’s petition.
In 2017, 19-year-old Vinayakan died by suicide after he was arrested by the police on charges of theft. Later, an investigation by the Crime Branch revealed custodial torture by two Civil Police Officers – Sajan and Sreejith – from the Pavaratty police station.
The officers were earlier charged with assault, intimidation, unlawful detention, and violations under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Now, the chargesheet will be updated and charges of abetment added.
Vinayakan was arrested for allegedly stealing a gold chain, but was later released. He died by suicide after returning home. His post-mortem report confirmed that he was subjected to severe torture by police officers while in custody. There were several scars on his forehead, right nipple, and lower abdomen, all pointing towards torture. The family also claimed that the police asked him to cut his hair.
The police officers were suspended but reinstated after a period of six months.
Courtesy: The News Minute
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