Two people arrested in connection with the incident
Thiruvananthapuram: In a disturbing incident, a 19-year-old Adivasi youth was allegedly assaulted and tied to an electric post in Kerala's Attappady.
The youth, identified as Siju V from the tribal area, was found drenched in the rain and in a semi-naked state after being reportedly attacked and detained by two persons on Saturday.
The youth who sustained injuries during the assault is currently receiving treatment at Kottathara Hospital. He recounted his traumatic experience, stating that the incident began when he accidentally fell in front of a milk collection van in Sholayaur.
"I lost my balance, stumbled over a stone and fell in front the accused' vehicle. They thought I did it deliberately and started attacking me. The assailants dragged me along the road and tied me to an electric post, leaving me in the rain. I remained there for an hour before being rescued by some local people who took me to the hospital," he recalled.
The Agali police have arrested Regin Mathew, the van driver from Sholayur, and Vishnudas, a cleaner from Alappuzha, in Singanallur, Coimbatore, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The police have charged the accused under the provisions of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as under Section 115 (2) for attempted murder, Section 118 (1) for causing hurt with dangerous weapons, Section 126 (2) for wrongful restraint, Section 127 (2) for wrongful confinement and Section 296 (b) for obscene acts according to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile, Siju's family has expressed concern about the possible biased behavior on the part of the police, suggesting that some officers may be siding with the accused. "I will approach the Human Rights Commission to seek justice for my son," his father told reporters.
In a related development, Jhimson, the owner of the pickup van, filed a counter complaint with the police alleging that Siiju was under the influence of alcohol and had thrown stones at the vehicle, smashing its window.
The police, however, have not yet verified the claims made by the pickup van owner. They are also investigating the allegation that Siju was assaulted before being tied to the pole.
