Thiruvananthapuram: Maoist trial detainees have begun a three-day hunger strike, alleging they were brutally assaulted by wardens at the high-security Viyyur prison in Thrissur. Manoj, a Thrissur resident, was transferred to Poojappura Jail after the alleged beating and is continuing his hunger strike during medical treatment, demanding that the perpetrators be charged.

In solidarity, fellow Maoist detainees Thiruvengadam and Karthi also began a hunger strike at Viyyur Jail. Jail authorities have requested a medical report from the NIA court.

According to complaints, Manoj was beaten on November 13 after questioning wardens for using abusive language against co-detainee Asharudeen, who is serving a life sentence in the Coimbatore blast case. Manoj and Asharudeen were reportedly locked in a cell and brutally beaten for around four hours late at night, according to friends who visited him with court permission. Manoj suffered severe injuries, including loss of sight in his left eye and multiple bodily wounds. Initially, jail authorities claimed he attacked the wardens, filing a case against him and his co-detainee before transferring him to Poojappura.

Human rights activists attempting to see Manoj at Poojappura were told he was under treatment at the medical college. With court permission, they later obtained firsthand accounts of the brutal assault. According to the activists, the NIA court requested the jail authorities to produce the detainee, but he was unavailable due to ongoing medical care.

Although the court requested a medical report, it was not submitted. On Monday, the jail authorities were issued a show cause notice and instructed to provide the doctor’s report.

Justice for Prisoners, Human Rights Commissions and senior police officials have received complaints regarding the incident.

Need investigation: Binoy Viswam

“Prisons must serve as centres for reform, not as chambers of torture. The alleged assault must be thoroughly investigated,” said CPI Kerala State Secretary Binoy Viswam.