As the debates kicked off by the death of Sreejith, a youth from Varappuzha in Ernakulam, are yet to subside in the state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the death was unfortunate.
"Action against the accused police personnel has been taken, action will be taken if more police personnel have a role in it. The investigation in the case has been effective," the CM said at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.
Pinarayi flayed the State Human Rights Commission for its comment that the probe in the case is not effective. "Commission chairman should do his job only. Sometimes he makes immature comments, hence his statements on the issue should be viewed in that context. It is not fair that the Commission’s response is prompted out of a political stand,” he said.
“What happened at Varappuzha shouldn't have happened. The government doesn't have a stand of protecting the culprits. Strict direction is given to stop custodial torture,” he said.
On April 19, three policemen were arrested for taking the wrong Sreejith into custody and for his subsequent death. Sreejith died on April 9 and it is alleged that the injuries caused by custodial torture led to his death.
In 2014, Sreejeev, a youth from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram died at the medical college hospital allegedly after being tortured in police custody.
He also termed the death of foreigner Liga as unfortunate. "Her relatives haven't met me. They came to my office and we provided the necessary help,” he said.
Rs 4 lakh for those who lost homes
The CM said that the government will give a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for those who lost their homes due to sea erosion. The CM also said that central assistance is needed to face the losses caused by coastal erosion. “Rs 50,000 will be given for repairing of houses and Rs 10 lakh for those who have to find land to construct a house,” the CM said.