Kerala Dalit teen alleged torture in police custody: Crime Branch to submit report soon

An investigation by the Crime Branch into the death of 19-year-old Vinayak, has confirmed allegations that he was subjected to custodial torture by police officers at Pavaratty police station in Thrissur, Ramavarman T of the Times of India reported. 

Vinayak, a Dalit youth hailing from Thrissur killed himself on July 18 after he was released from police custody, a day after he was allegedly nabbed in a false case. 

According to sources, the investigation is almost over and the report will be submitted in two weeks, the ToI report states. 

The charge sheet against police officials can be submitted only after getting approval from the government.

The witnesses include Vinayak’s friend, Sarath, Vinayak's father, Krishnankutty, and a local activist, Santhosh identified the accused at Vadanappilli station on Saturday. 

On July 17, the Pavaratty police had picked up Vinayak , along with Sarath, while they were speaking to Vinayak’s girlfriend. He took the extreme step the next day. 

The police claimed that they were taken into custody as their bike had no valid papers. However, Sarath had said that the police accused them of chain-snatching. 

On the evening of July 17, Vinayak was allowed to leave the station with his father. 

Vinayak's family and several organisations alleged that he had ended his life because of custodial torture. 

The police had denied the allegations of torture. However, the post-mortem report showed that Vinayak was brutally beaten up. The police had also asked him to cut his long hair.

Two police officers were suspended in connection with the incident.  

Following widespread outrage over the 19-year-old's death, a Crime Branch probe into the case was initiated.