Custodial torture of Youth Congress leader: Congress plans protest on Sept. 10

Police officers who brutally assaulted Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith inside the Kunnamkulam police station two years ago are unfit to continue in service, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Thursday.

Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, he demanded that the government immediately dismiss the accused officers and provide adequate compensation to Mr. Sujith for the severe physical and psychological trauma he endured.

“The police are meant to uphold the rule of law, not to act like criminals inside their own stations. By mercilessly beating an innocent young man, these officers have proven they have no place in a disciplined force. Criminal charges must be brought against them,” Mr. Joseph said.

He announced that the Congress would organise mass protest gatherings in front of all police stations across Kerala on September 10 to demand justice for Mr. Sujith.

Referring to the shocking CCTV footage of the custodial assault, Mr. Joseph said it had shaken the conscience of Kerala. Even the Crime Branch had confirmed the assault. Yet the government had shielded the culprits.

When asked about Thrissur Range DIG S. Harishankar’s reported statement that a few individuals’ misconduct should not tarnish the entire police force, Mr. Joseph said, “The DIG must rise to the stature of his office. What action has really been taken? The public cannot be fooled. Punishment must match the crime.”

Mr. Joseph also slammed the Crime Branch for taking a full year to file an explanation in court despite repeated judicial directives. “This delay clearly shows political protection at the highest level, including from the Chief Minister,” he said.