KOCHI: Senior Congress leader and former MLA Benny Behanan voiced concerns over the credibility of the special investigation team formed to probe the Varazpuzha custodial death case. While addressing a press conference here on Monday, he demanded the removal of IG S. Sreejith from the SIT and expressed strong reservations over the integrity of IG Sreejith.
“The Inspector General has figured in the list of police officers with a criminal record and was suspended from service for his alleged links with the controversial businessman K.S. Rauf. Since a huge shadow looms over the credibility of S. Sreejith, he should be removed from the responsibility of the SIT. An inspector with a clean and successful track record should head the investigation team,” said Benny.
He added that the real culprits can be brought before the law only if the case is probed by an unbiased police officer. “The probe will not be unbiased under Sreejith. The suspension of the seven accused policemen from the department will not guarantee justice to the victim’s family. Apart from their suspension, no arrest has been made so far. The police and the CPM are trying to influence the witnesses and sabotage the case,” alleged the Congress leader. He also raised apprehensions over the overnight change in the statement given by the prime witness Vineesh. The former MLA added that no leader from the ruling party had visited the house of the deceased.
