Are Police in Kerala Accused of Torturing a Man in Custody?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, allegations have surfaced that police in Kerala's Kollam district attempted to extract a man's teeth while in custody. This revelation follows a recent custodial abuse incident involving a Youth Congress leader, intensifying public outrage against police conduct.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of police torture have emerged in Kollam, Kerala.
- The victim, Anil Kumar, claims police attempted to extract his teeth.
- He received treatment at Punalur Government Taluk Hospital.
- The police have denied these allegations.
- This incident follows another case of police violence involving a Youth Congress leader.
Kollam (Kerala), Sep 5 (NationPress) Amid ongoing controversy regarding the custodial abuse of a Youth Congress leader in Thrissur, another disturbing incident has emerged from Kollam district on Friday.
The Kulathupuzha Police Station has come under scrutiny following allegations of custodial torture, as reported by local sources.
The accusations claim that on August 31, police officers allegedly attempted to extract the teeth of Anil Kumar, a 50-year-old resident of Chozhiyakode in Kulathupuzha, using a pair of pliers.
The victim later received treatment at the Punalur Government Taluk Hospital, where he underwent surgery for the removal of the damaged teeth, according to the report.
The Kulathupuzha police have denied the allegations of torture, asserting that Anil Kumar was taken into custody for causing a disturbance while intoxicated. They claimed he was released on bail that same day without any apparent health issues.
In his complaint to the Kollam Rural Superintendent of Police, Anil Kumar alleged that the police stopped him while he was heading home with friends on August 31 due to suspicions of alcohol consumption. He stated that he was detained after voicing his objections to their actions, as reported by the media.
Anil Kumar further claimed he was assaulted inside the police vehicle and at the station, where officers allegedly attempted to pull his teeth with pliers. He reported losing consciousness during the ordeal and was subsequently taken to Kulathupuzha Government Hospital.
Later, he was transferred to Punalur Taluk Hospital after feeling unwell, where three of his teeth were surgically removed.
This recent allegation of custodial torture arises amid protests from the Opposition and public outrage triggered by the release of footage showing Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith being assaulted by police inside the Kunnamkulam Police Station in Thrissur, leaving law enforcement in a vulnerable position.
The incident involving Sujith took place on April 6, 2023, but the CCTV footage only became available after two years of legal efforts under the Right to Information Act.
Sujith, who serves as the president of the Chowannur Mandalam Youth Congress, alleged that police beat him inside the station, inflicting serious injuries, including hearing loss in one ear.
Reports indicate that the confrontation began when he intervened while police were threatening his friends by the roadside; officers subsequently transported him to the station in a jeep and assaulted him.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach the ongoing allegations of custodial torture with a commitment to truth and transparency. The shocking claims from Kollam, alongside other incidents, underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms in law enforcement practices to ensure accountability and safeguard citizens' rights. The public deserves clarity and justice in such grave matters.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the police in Kollam?
The police are accused of torturing a man by attempting to extract his teeth with pliers while he was in custody.
Who is the victim involved in this case?
The victim is Anil Kumar, a 50-year-old resident of Chozhiyakode in Kulathupuzha, Kerala.
What treatment did Anil Kumar receive?
Anil Kumar underwent treatment at Punalur Government Taluk Hospital, where three damaged teeth were surgically removed.
How did the police respond to these allegations?
The Kulathupuzha police denied the allegations, claiming that Anil Kumar was arrested for public nuisance while intoxicated.
What other incidents of police violence have been reported recently?
This incident follows allegations of police assault against Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith in Thrissur, raising concerns about police conduct in the state.
