‘There is an emergency-like situation in the state’: Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi promises action in Kunnamkulam custodial assault

Thrissur: Union Minister Suresh Gopi has said that there will definitely be accountability for the Kunnumkulam custodial assault. He added that authorities should explore what can be done in areas under their jurisdiction, alleging that the situation in the locality is akin to an emergency. Gopi also stated that he had seen the footage and described the incident as a very serious and reprehensible act.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Home Department took action, nearly two and a half years after the Kunnumkulam police assault. Four police officers, including the SI who allegedly assaulted Youth Congress Chovannur constituency president V S Sujith, were suspended. The move followed widespread protests triggered by the release of CCTV footage showing the brutality, which shocked public conscience.

Earlier, the case had seen only minor departmental actions such as transfers and withholding of increments. The local IG, Rajpal Meena, had directed a review of the case. The magistrate’s court had registered the case based solely on departmental actions taken against the officers.

The officers suspended by the IG include SI Nuhman (currently at Viyyur station), Senior CPO Sasidharan (currently at Thrissur Town East) and CPOs Sajeevan (currently at Thrissur Town East) and Sandeep (currently at Mannuthi).