Officer Suspended Following Fatal Custodial Assault Allegations in Kollam
Civil Police Officer S. Sreejith faces suspension after a preliminary inquiry linked custodial protocol violations to the death of 39-year-old Siyad. The case, now under District Crime Branch investigation, involves allegations of midnight detention and physical torture.
Systemic Failures and Disciplinary Action
District Police Chief Shaji Sugunan has officially suspended Civil Police Officer S. Sreejith following an internal review into the death of Siyad, a 39-year-old private bus driver. The suspension order cites Sreejith for serious negligence, grave indiscipline, and multiple service rule violations. Investigative findings indicate the officer failed to conduct a standard physical body search or secure the mandatory medical certificate required prior to detaining a suspect. Furthermore, the report states that officials ignored Siyad's visible symptoms of illness while he was held at the Kundara station.
Timeline of the Incident
The events leading to Siyad’s death started on June 16, triggered by the disappearance of two seventh-grade students in his Perumpuzha neighborhood. Acting on a statement from a child’s sibling, police conducted a midnight raid on Siyad’s home and took him into custody. Although he was released the following day once the children were located, his health began a steady decline. The victim sought medical help at a taluk hospital on July 2, but his condition necessitated a transfer to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where he died on July 24.
Evidence of Physical Torture
Public scrutiny intensified after an audio recording by Siyad’s daughter circulated online, detailing how her father was allegedly assaulted inside a police vehicle by CPO Sreejith and Sub-Inspector Sampath. Key details of the case include:
- Custody Date: June 16, following a midnight arrest.
- Official Lapses: Lack of medical screening and failure to document pre-existing health status.
- Legal Outcome: Transfer of the probe to the District Crime Branch following a mandate from the Home Minister.
- Victim Demise: July 24, after weeks of deteriorating health post-detention.
While the police department initially refuted all claims of misconduct, the severity of the allegations forced a high-level shift in the investigation. The District Crime Branch now oversees the inquiry to determine the exact extent of physical force used during the transport and detention of the victim.
Source: The Hindu — National
