SIT arrests 3 policemen in connection with 'custodial death'

Press Trust of India  |  Kochi 

?A Special Investigation Team probing the alleged custodial death of a 26-year-old man at nearby Varappuzha today arrested three policemen, who were suspended earlier, in connection with the incident.

He said their arrest was recorded after collecting necessary evidence in the primary investigation.

"They have been charged under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code" (punishment for murder), he told reporters outside

Earlier, the policemen were questioned in the club.

Assuring justice for Sreejith's family, the said the probe would be conducted against those found involved in his death.

The arrested policemen will be produced before the Court tomorrow.

The SIT IGP indicated that further action would be taken based on the report five-member medical board to ascertain the real cause of Sreejith's death.

The government had set up the medical board to ascertain the real cause of the death after alleged police torture while in custody.

sources said that the board was set up on a request by the SIT IGP, seeking expert opinion to determine the cause of the death.

was taken into custody for the death of one early this month and died in a private hospital on April 9.

Seven policemen were suspended in connection with the incident.

Responding to the arrests, Sreejith's family alleged that more policemen were involved in the 'custodial torture' and demanded that they too be arrested.

They alleged he was kicked several times on the stomach and thrashed by police personnel.

The post-mortem report has said that died of 'blunt trauma' in the abdomen and there were multiple injuries on his body.

Meanwhile, the SIT is also probing whether was arrested by mistake in connection with Vasudevan's death.

Vasudevan's son had alleged police had mistaken the deceased for another Sreejith, whom he had named in his complaint lodged in connection with his father's death.

Opposition has sought a court-monitored probe into the incident.

Both and have demanded that give up the Home portfolio.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Wed, April 18 2018. 21:30 IST