Thiruvananthapuram: Four police officers have been suspended in connection with the murder of a land owner, who was fatally hit with the bucket of a JCB (earth mover), at Kattakkada here.

The police officers were identified as Anil Kumar a sub inspector and three Civil Police officers Hari Kumar, Baiju and Sukesh. The action comes after it was found that lapse by police had contributed to the death of Sangeeth.

Sangeeth’s family had come out against police apathy. Police did not come to the spot after they were informed that the land mafia was excavating land without permission, the family said. They alleged that though a police team was in the area and despite being informed about the attack, the police did not reach the spot on time.

“Had police come to the spot on time, my husband’s life could have been saved,” said Sangeeth’s wife Sangeetha.

Earlier, rural SP B. Ashok had ordered an inquiry into the incident and sought a report.