Three policemen arrested in connection with the recent custodial death of a 26-year-old man at nearby Varappuzha in a purported video have "pleaded innocence" and alleged a conspiracy to make them "a pawn" in the case.
"" In the video footage, believed to have been recorded before their arrest yesterday and telecast by local TV channels today, Rural Tiger Force (RTF) members Jithin Raj, Sumesh and Santhosh Kumar said they were ready for a lie detector test.
They sought the intervention of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and DGP Loknath Behera for ensuring a fair probe into the circumstances that led to the death of S R Sreejith on April 9 at a hospital after he was taken into custody in connection with a case. """ The three alleged there was a conspiracy to make them "a pawn" in the case. """"When asked about the video, Behera told reporters Thiruvananthapuram that he had not watched it.
He, however, said it would be looked into and assured a fair, impartial and scientific investigation in the case.
"""""Don't spare if anyone found guilty.That is what I told (the SIT)," Behera said.
The death due to alleged torture has been condemned by opposition parties with the Congress and BJP demanding the resignation of Vijayan, holding the Home portfolio. Congress has also sought a CBI probe. """" Seven policemen have been suspended in connection with the incident. """" Sreejith's family has alleged that more policemen were involved in the 'custodial torture' and demanded their arrest.