Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, an IPS officer of 1991 batch, has ordered a departmental inquiry into allegations of custodial assault leading to the death of a 38-year-old private bus driver in Kollam district, following intervention by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC).
The Human Rights Commission has also directed the Kollam Rural District Police Chief to submit a detailed report within seven days regarding the incident, which has triggered allegations of police brutality and demands for accountability.
Bus Driver Died Days After Police Custody
The deceased, Siyad, a resident of Society Mukku in Kundara and a private bus driver, died on July 24 while undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.
He had been taken into custody by Kundara Police on the night of June 16 in connection with the disappearance of a 13-year-old neighbour. He was released the following morning after questioning.
However, his family alleges that he suffered severe physical assault while in police custody, ultimately leading to his death more than a month later.
Family Alleges Custodial Assault
According to family members, Siyad was allegedly assaulted by Sub-Inspector Athul and Civil Police Officer (CPO) Sreejith during police custody.
They claim that while being transported in a police vehicle, the officers stopped near Perumpuzha, where Siyad was repeatedly interrogated about the missing boy and physically assaulted despite being informed that he suffered from epileptic seizures.
His wife and daughter, who reportedly remained at the police station until his release on June 17, said he returned home in a visibly weakened condition.
The family further alleged that subsequent medical examinations revealed serious internal injuries, including a fractured rib, which they believe eventually caused his death.
Audio Clip Surfaces
The controversy has intensified after an audio clip, purportedly featuring a conversation between Siyad’s daughter and CPO Sreejith, surfaced on social media.
In the recording, the daughter accuses the police officer of assaulting her father despite being aware of his medical condition.
The authenticity of the audio clip has not been officially confirmed.
Police Deny Allegations
Kerala Police have denied allegations of custodial torture.
According to police officials, preliminary findings do not indicate that Siyad was subjected to custodial assault. The department has maintained that the allegations are not supported by the initial inquiry.
However, in view of the seriousness of the accusations and the public attention surrounding the case, the DGP has directed the Kollam Rural Superintendent of Police to conduct a detailed investigation.
Human Rights Commission Seeks Report
Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has sought a comprehensive report from the district police chief within seven days.
The Commission’s intervention is expected to examine whether established procedures were followed during Siyad’s detention and whether any human rights violations occurred.
Probe to Determine Facts
The departmental inquiry and the Human Rights Commission’s scrutiny are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Siyad’s detention, medical condition and subsequent death.
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted against the police personnel involved.
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