Neyyattinkara DySP B Harikumar has been booked for murder in Thiruvananthapuram after a man was mowed down and killed by an approaching car while he was engaged in a verbal spat with the police officer. The cop is currently absconding.
The Neyyattinkara police have identified the deceased as 32-year-old Sanal, who works as an electrician in Kodungavila. The incident took place around 9:45 pm in Kodungavila when the duo was engaged in a verbal spat over their parked cars. Several media reports stated that Harikumar allegedly pushed Sanal onto the road, after which the approaching car hit him. Officers from the Neyyattinkara station, who are investigating the incident, did not confirm this.
“The DySP couldn’t move his vehicle as the man’s car was parked in front of him. He asked him to move the car and the car was moved. Following this, the argument began,” an officer from the Neyyattinkara police station told TNM.
“Investigations are ongoing. We haven’t confirmed whether he was pushed or not. What we have found is that the two of them were having an argument when the car approached and hit Sanal,” the officer added.
According to a Mathrubhumi report, the DySP initially did not allow Sanal to be taken to the hospital. Although he was first admitted to the Neyyatinkara General Hospital, authorities recommended that Sanal be shifted to the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram.
Following this, Sanal was rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was declared brought dead. Locals who witnessed the incident demanded that a case of murder be filed against the DySP. Allegations by locals that Sanal was taken to the Neyyatinkara police station first, instead of the hospital, have also led to demands that a probe be initiated against the station SI, according to reports.
The DySP has been suspended following the incident and a case has been registered against him under IPC Section 302 (punishment for murder) at the police station.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that due seriousness will be given to this case, and that an Additional Superintendent of Police will probe the incident.
“What should not have happened has happened. There is a serious complaint against the DySP which involves someone’s life being lost. That is why an ASP will investigate this case as it involves a DySP. This is a serious issue according to the government and necessary seriousness will be adopted while investigating the case,” Pinarayi Vijayan said.