Dalit academic 'manhandled' in police custody

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 31. Various Dalit organisations in the State have demanded action against the CI (Attingal), Mr. Harish Kumar, who allegedly tortured a Dalit academic, Prof. Babu (Head of Department of Economics at Attingal Government College), after taking him into police custody.

The organisations, including the National Dalit Front, Kerala Dalit Federation and Kerala Thandan Service Society, have petitioned the Chief Minister, Mr. A.K. Antony, to suspend the accused police official and order an inquiry into the incident.

The alleged incident took place at around 7 p.m. on July 27. Prof. Babu, a management expert and noted economist, had parked his car at Attingal Gramam Road and crossed over to make some purchases from some vendors near the Municipal private bus stand.

The CI who was passing by in a jeep hurled abuses at the professor for stepping onto the road and roughed him up in full view of the public, the complaint stated. It was also alleged that the CI and his driver hustled the professor into the jeep and took him to the police station where he was released on bail at 9.30 p.m.

In the petition to the Chief Minister, it was alleged that the professor was manhandled and verbally abused at the police station where he was forcibly made to sign some papers.

When contacted, the CI (Attingal), Mr. Harish Kumar, denied that the professor was tortured in police custody or subjected to any form of harassment.

``The road in front of the private bus stand is congested owing to the fishmarket there. I was clearing the road for traffic and as part of routine requested the professor to move over. When he refused to heed the request, he was taken to the station where he was given bail. At the time of taking him into custody, the police did not know his identity. Once the identity was established, Prof. Babu was let off on his own bail. No case has been registered against him,'' the CI said.

When contacted, the SP (Rural), Mr. Rajagopalan Nair, said since a complaint has been given to the Chief Minister and the DGP, there would definitely be an inquiry into the incident.

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Section  : Southern States
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