One more cop held in connection with custodial death

One more police personnel has been arrested in connection with the alleged custodial death of a 26-year-old man near here, police said today.

With this the number of those arrested in the case has gone up to five.

Suspended Circle Inspector Crispin Sam of Parvoor was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after being interrogated for three hours today, a top police officer said.

He was arrested on various charges including that of illegal custody and destruction of evidence.He, however, is not facing murder charges, the officer said.

Earlier, suspended Sub-Inspector Deepak and three members of Rural Tiger Force (RTF) were arrested in connection with the case.

 

They have been charged under various IPC sections of including 302 (murder).

S R Sreejith, who was taken into custody in connection with the death of a person early last month, had died in a private hospital.

His relatives have alleged that he died due to custodial torture. '

Police have rejected the allegation saying Sreejith was suspected to have suffered injuries during a clash before he was taken into custody.

In addition to the five police personnel, two others have also been suspended in connection with the case.

Ernakulam Rural SP A V George, who set up RTF, has been shifted to the Thrissur Police Academy.

He has dismantled the RTF following the arrest of its personnel.

Thrissur Superintendent of Police Rahul R Nair has been given additional charge of the Ernakulam Rural Police.