What Happened on Thiruvonam Day with Youth Congress and Custodial Torture?

Thrissur (Kerala), Sep 5 (NationPress) On the auspicious occasion of Thiruvonam, the Youth Congress held a symbolic protest outside the DIG office, drawing attention to the alleged custodial torture endured by a party member.

The demonstration, known as the ‘Kolachoru Samaram’ (Rice with Blood Protest), featured activists dressed in police attire and wearing masks resembling the accused officials to illustrate the incident.

Participants laid banana leaves on the ground adjacent to the office barricades, symbolizing their resistance.

This incident dates back to April 5, 2023, when Congress mandalam president V.S. Sujith reportedly suffered severe abuse while in police custody.

After nearly two years of legal battles, disturbing visuals of the incident emerged following an RTI request from the State Information Commission.

Sujith claimed that the police attempted to silence him by offering bribes, alleging that he and local leader Varghese Chovvanur were each offered up to Rs 20 lakh to keep quiet.

He specifically named Suhair, a former police driver currently with the Revenue Department, as one of his assailants. Despite his involvement, no legal action has been taken against Suhair, according to Sujith.

“They tried to bribe me into silence, but I insisted on pursuing legal action. That’s why they backed down,” he stated, demanding accountability for all five officers implicated.

Sujith asserted that the assault occurred after he confronted the police about their intimidation of his friends who were waiting by the roadside.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the police have diluted the case to shield the accused.

Even though evidence of custodial violence exists, charges have been restricted to IPC Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), which only carries a one-year prison sentence.

The implicated officers faced delayed promotions for three years and salary increments for two years, with the police legal team advising that no further departmental actions could be taken.

Any additional measures, they noted, would require court intervention.

The Youth Congress has vowed to escalate their protests until decisive action is taken against those responsible.

On Friday evening, Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan visited Sujith’s home to speak with him and his family. He later informed the press that although the DIG of Police claims actions have been initiated, they are insufficient.

"We have already stated that Kerala will witness unprecedented protests led by the Congress party. We cannot tolerate such inhumane actions against our party official. It’s shocking that the report on this matter hasn’t been thoroughly examined. Sujith is the last person who should have endured such brutal treatment from the police. If proper measures are not taken against these officers, they will never wear a police uniform again. We’re prepared to face imprisonment as part of our protest. We will allow the government some time to take action, and if nothing happens, we will begin our campaign," declared Satheesan.