Is There a Police Cover-Up in the Youth Congress Leader’s Custodial Assault Case?
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Synopsis
The case of Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith raises alarming questions about police integrity in Kerala. Allegations of a cover-up surface as evidence suggests that the officers involved faced minimal repercussions. The ongoing public protests signal a demand for justice and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Serious allegations of police cover-up emerge in Kerala.
- Evidence of custodial assault raises concerns about police accountability.
- The accused officers faced only minimal penalties.
- Public protests are growing in response to the incident.
- Calls for justice and systemic reform in law enforcement are intensifying.
Thrissur (Kerala), Sep 4 (NationPress) - Serious concerns have emerged regarding a potential cover-up in the custodial assault case involving Youth Congress Chovannur constituency president V.S. Sujith. Evidence suggests that the police officers implicated in the assault have been intentionally protected through insufficient charges and minimal penalties.
Despite clear CCTV footage showcasing the brutal attack within the Kunnamkulam police station, the officers were only charged under Section 323 of the Indian Penal Code — a minor charge of “voluntarily causing hurt” with a maximum penalty of one year.
Legal counsel acquired by the department indicated that no further departmental actions could be taken, as the four officers had already faced penalties such as a two-year stoppage of increments and a three-year ban on promotions.
This effectively shielded the accused from more severe disciplinary actions.
An inquiry report confirmed that the measures implemented were “merely nominal,” highlighting that the officers were never suspended during the investigation.
The report, drafted by ACP K.C. Seth, named Sub-Inspector Nuhman, Senior CPO Sashidharan, and CPOs Sandeep and Sajeev as those responsible for assaulting Sujith.
Sujith also claimed that attempts were made to silence the case by offering him and local leader Varghese Chovannur up to Rs 20 lakh as hush money.
Additionally, he alleged that Suhair, then the police driver and now with the Revenue Department, participated in the assault without facing any consequences.
“I refused to settle and insisted on pursuing legal action,” said Sujith, demanding justice for all five officers involved.
The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, stated that the police force is being controlled by a faction within the Chief Minister’s office.
“The Congress party demands the immediate dismissal of all accused officers. If the state government fails to act, we will initiate a significant protest. The explanation provided by the senior police official is unacceptable and appears to be an effort to protect the guilty. We will not stand for this,” declared Satheesan.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2023, when Sujith confronted police officers who were intimidating his friends during a local festival.
He was taken to the Kunnamkulam station, stripped of his shirt, and assaulted by multiple officers. CCTV footage, obtained only after a two-year legal struggle and an order from the Information Commission, depicts Sujith being forced into a crouched position and assaulted repeatedly.
Following public outcry after the footage became public, Thrissur DIG Harishankar submitted a report to the DGP.
The officers faced minor penalties, with the report characterizing their actions as “hitting with hands.”
The case is currently under the direct investigation of the Kunnamkulam court, which is expected to determine further actions.
For Sujith and his supporters, the battle continues.
“We will not cease our struggle until those responsible are dismissed from service,” he has asserted, as protests led by the Congress gain traction in Thrissur.
Point of View
The alarming details surrounding the custodial assault on Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith highlight serious concerns about police accountability in India. This case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms within law enforcement to ensure justice and transparency.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith?
V.S. Sujith was assaulted by police officers at the Kunnamkulam station, with CCTV footage confirming the brutality. He has accused the police of a cover-up.
What charges were brought against the police officers?
The officers were charged under Section 323 of the Indian Penal Code, a minor offense resulting in a maximum one-year sentence.
Have the officers faced any significant punishment?
The officers received only minor penalties, including a two-year stoppage of increments and a three-year bar on promotions.
What is the current status of the case?
The case is under direct investigation by the Kunnamkulam court, which is expected to determine further actions.
What are the demands of the Congress party?
The Congress party is demanding the immediate dismissal of all accused officers and has threatened significant protests if action is not taken.
