Action finally taken in Peechi custodial assault case; Former SI PM Ratheesh suspended

Thrissur: Former Peechi Sub Inspector P M Ratheesh has been suspended over the custodial assault case involving a hotel owner, his son and their staff. The suspension order was issued by the Inspector General of the Southern Range. Ratheesh is currently serving as the SHO at Kadavanthra.

Complaints against Ratheesh had surfaced earlier in connection with the Peechi custodial violence, but no action was taken at the time. The inquiry report also pointed to his involvement. The issue gained widespread attention after video footage of the assault emerged.

The incident occurred on May 24, 2023, when Ratheesh, then serving as Sub-Inspector at Peechi, allegedly assaulted hotel owner K P Ouseph, his son and their employee at the station. The assault reportedly followed a complaint filed by Dinesh and Jineesh over a dispute regarding the quality of food served at the hotel. According to Ouseph and the staff,  Ratheesh allegedly demanded a large sum to settle the case when they had arrived at the station to respond to the complaint.

Despite multiple Right to Information (RTI) applications seeking access to the assault footage, the police initially refused to release it, citing Maoist threats and women’s safety concerns. Eventually, an appeal was filed with the Information Commission, and legal steps were initiated to approach the High Court. Authorities later agreed to release the footage, which triggered widespread public debate.

Earlier on the day, an urgent motion was raised in the Legislative Assembly regarding police custodial violence. However, the Chief Minister did not address the Peechi incident in his response speech.