Pathanamthitta police atrocity: Investigation handed over to Crime Branch

Pathanamthitta: The investigation into cases related to police misbehaviour in Pathanamthitta has been handed over to the Crime Branch. Two cases were registered by the Pathanamthitta police on February 4, following an altercation outside a bar. These cases are now being investigated by the Crime Branch. The District Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) will lead the investigation team.

One case involves the use of abusive language against bar staff and the creation of a disturbance outside the bar. The second case pertains to the police using a lathi charge and misconduct outside the bar. These two cases are under investigation by the Crime Branch. In the first case, a charge has been filed against about ten people, while in the second case, suspended Sub-Inspector Jinu and two other police officers are the accused.

A report suggesting the transfer of the case to other agencies was recently handed over by Pathanamthitta DySP Nandakumar to senior police officials. This is the background for the action being taken.

The incident that led to the case occurred on February 4. The complaint alleges that after a marriage-related event, a group of people had parked their vehicle on the roadside to rest, when the police, without any provocation, started hitting them with lathis. Some individuals suffered injuries to their heads and hands, and women among the group sought treatment at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital. The group included people from Konni and Kottayam.

The incident that led to the case occurred on February 4. The complaint alleges that after a marriage-related event, a group of people had parked their vehicle on the roadside to rest, when the police, without any provocation, began to lash out at them with lathis. Some individuals suffered injuries to their heads and hands, and women among the group sought treatment at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital. The group included people from Konni and Kottayam.

The young men reportedly slammed the bar's glass door and caused trouble for the staff. The bar staff then informed the police. The troublemakers later left on their bikes. However, the complainants remained on the road in front of the bar. It was at this point that the police vehicle arrived, and officers got out and began beating the complainants. Clear footage of this incident was captured on CCTV cameras. The footage shows police officers exiting their vehicle and chasing down the complainants, who were walking on the road, and beating them.