KOLLAM: A dalit couple belonging to Kilikolloor here have alleged that the local police tortured them the other day on baseless charges. The police also called them their caste names and insulted their family members, including women, by breaking into their house, they charged. The couple, Sajeevan and Rajani of ‘Athira,’ Thattarkonam, Kilikolloor, have filed complaints with the human rights commission, SC/ST commission and police complaints authority in this regard.
The torture was committed by two policemen attached to the Kilikolloor station early on Tuesday while they were searching for the couple’s relative Sivan, an accused in a case. They alleged that Sajeevan had suffered fractures in his arm due to the attack by ASI Sarasan and civil police officer Shihabudeen, who also called them their caste names. The incident was in connection with a festival at Mukundasramam temple at Thattarkonam on January 29.
“Shihabudeen who was present there intervened in a bout that occurred during the festival procession. Sivan’s son, who was a spectator, was manhandled by him. Sivan pleaded with him not to beat up the child but the policeman turned towards him and assaulted him. On the same night, policemen came to their house and insulted the women. This was repeated on Tuesday also. “The police also tortured my mother Vimala by pushing her onto the floor,” Sajeevan said. They also alleged that the policemen were drunk and that they also threatened to file false cases against them if they dared to complain. However, the Kilikolloor police have denied the allegations.
