A team led by Pathanamthitta Police Station Sub Inspector (SI) S Jinu assaulted the group, who were returning after a wedding party in Adoor, while they were in search of those who had caused trouble in front of the bar.
Published Feb 05, 2025 | 2:20 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 05, 2025 | 2:20 PM
Kerala police. Representational Image. (Wikimedia)
Synopsis: At least three people of a family suffered injuries after a Kerala Police team assaulted them over ‘mistaken identity’. Congress leader VD Satheesan has demanded strict action against the officers at fault. Pathanamthitta SP and DySP have assured action against the officers.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Wednesday, 5 February, strongly condemned the alleged police brutality in Pathanamthitta, where members of a wedding party, including women, were reportedly assaulted without provocation.
In a statement, he described the incident as a serious case of police misconduct, accusing officers of manipulating the narrative to justify their actions.
“The attack on innocent people is inexcusable. If there is an attempt to shield those who misused their authority, it will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
Highlighting visual evidence of the police’s excessive use of force, the Congress leader demanded that the guilty officers be removed from service immediately.
“Criminal elements in uniform cannot be allowed to continue even for a second. The victims’ complaints must be thoroughly investigated, and strict legal action should follow,” he said.
Three members of a family were injured after they were assaulted by the police in front of a bar in Pathanamthitta in the wee hours of Wednesday due to mistaken identity.
A case has been registered against police officers following a complaint from Sithara, a native of Mundakkayam, who is undergoing treatment along with other family members at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital after being assaulted.
According to reports, Sithara had a dislocated shoulder after the assault.
“My husband merely questioned the police about why they were attacking us, and he too was brutally beaten, sustaining a head injury,” Sithara said.
A team led by Pathanamthitta Police Station Sub Inspector (SI) S Jinu assaulted the group, who were returning after a wedding party in Adoor, while they were in search of those who had caused trouble in front of the bar.
The complaint states that the complainant, her husband and her relative Shiji were beaten up and injured. A case has been registered under Sections 115/2, 118/1, 118/2, 118/3 and 118/5 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) S Nandakumar said that there will be a strong investigation and action regarding the incident. The DySP recorded the statements of the injured.
“Let me complete the investigation and action will follow,” Nandakumar told reporters. Meanwhile, a Special Branch report said that the Pathanamthitta SI committed serious lapses in the incident.
It is learnt that Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police (SP) VG Vinod Kumar summoned the police officers in question and transferred Jinu. Further action to be decided by Thiruvananthapuram Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajeetha Begum.
Meanwhile, Congress and Youth Congress supporters staged a protest in front of the Pathanamthitta Police Station.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
