Another custodial assault allegation from Thrissur

In yet another shocking case of alleged police brutality from Thrissur district, a 28-year-old auto driver from Arimpur has accused officers of the Anthikkad police station of carrying out brutal assault that left him with a serious lung injury. Recently, visuals of similar incidents from Kunnamkulam and Peechi police stations sparked public outrage and legal action.

The victim, Akhil Yesudas, has named then sub-inspector Aristotle and CPOs Mahesh and Vinod in his complaint. He said the officers summoned him to the station on September 30, 2024, and accused him of knocking down a motorcyclist. Despite repeatedly stating his innocence, Mr. Akhil said he was mercilessly beaten until he collapsed. The SI’s ring allegedly struck him on the nose, causing heavy bleeding.

Mr. Akhil claimed that even after the real culprit was later caught, the officers threatened him not to pursue the matter, warning they would frame him in a ganja case or other charges if he persisted.

‘Dying declaration’

With severe lung injuries from the alleged beating, Mr. Akhil spent several days in hospital. As his condition failed to improve, he was re-admitted to a private hospital in Thrissur recently, where he was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday. Speaking to the media ahead of the procedure, Mr. Akhil said this testimony should be treated as his “dying declaration.”

Mr. Akhil’s mother said the police had shattered her son’s life, while his ageing parents are now struggling to care for him. His father said they were running up huge medical bills, funding treatment by driving an auto and even mortgaging their house to raise money.