Kochi: With the alleged custodial torture of a school van driver, an Edakochi native, developing into a major controversy, the Kochi Police on Monday lodged cases against three officials of the Harbour police station, including the station House officer, and announced a probe into the incident.
Cases under IPC Sec 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 325 (Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt) were taken against Joseph Sajan, sub inspector of police, and two others ASI Prakash and civil police officer Rajeev for allegedly torturing K S Suresh Kumar (45). "A probe has been ordered against them and they will stay away from duty for the time being to ensure a fair investigation. Assistant Commissioner, Thrikkakara, will be in charge of the inquiry. Stern action will be taken against them if found guilty," said M P Dinesh, Commissioner of Police, Kochi city.
The SI and a CPO have been transferred to the Traffic wing while the third officer has been shifted to the Crime detachment. Suresh was taken into police custody last week for allegedly molesting a six-year old boy in a school bus. He was admitted to the Ernakulam General hospital the next day upon suffering a fracture on his back bone.
Suresh claimed the police falsely implicated him in the case and that the father of the child was a friend of one of the accused. Meanwhile, State Police complaints Authority Chairman Justice K Narayana Kurup took statement of Suresh at the hospital on Monday. Earlier, he had senT a notice to the State Police chief seeking action against the accused officers.
