Adivasi Youth Allegedly Assaulted in Police Custody; Complaint Against Erattupetta Police

Kottayam: An Adivasi youth was allegedly brutally assaulted by police after being taken into custody. Abhilash, a resident of Poovathinkal House in Peringulam, Poonjar, was allegedly assaulted by officers of the Erattupetta police station over allegations that he had stolen electricity cables.

Around a month ago, heavy rain and landslides affected the hilly region, snapping power lines and causing significant losses to the KSEB. The board had filed a complaint with the Erattupetta police, reporting the loss of electricity cables. Abhilash works as a contract employee with KSEB.

Police took Abhilash into custody on Friday morning. According to reports, officers arrived in an unmarked Innova car and woke him while he was asleep. They allegedly pushed him into the courtyard and assaulted him before attempting to force him into a private vehicle.

When Abhilash asked for permission to put on his underwear, the police allegedly refused and verbally abused him. Neighbours who arrived at the scene had their phones snatched by the police to prevent them from recording videos. The officers then dragged Abhilash away, put him in the vehicle and assaulted him inside it. It has been alleged that he was struck on the back of his head with an unidentified object.

Abhilash was released in the evening in the presence of an SC promoter. After leaving the police station, he developed physical discomfort. He was taken by vehicle to Pala Government General Hospital and later shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. He suffered a seizure at the hospital and was in a state of unconsciousness.

Abhilash has filed a complaint with the Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police alleging police assault. The CPI(M) has demanded strong action in the matter.