Kerala youth, families claim assault by police; cops deny allegations

ALAPPUZHA: Two youngsters and their families have filed a complaint alleging physical assault and verbal abuse by police personnel at Thottapally. The complaint was submitted to the Ambalapuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police by Vandanam residents Ashique and his friend Shinas, according to news agecncy PTI. They alleged that on April 18, officials of Ambalapuzha police hit their motorcycle and then assaulted them, calling them thieves. Ashique, who helps his father run an ice-cream business during school vacations, and Shinas were returning after selling ice cream at a temple festival when the incident occurred. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shinas said a police vehicle overtook their motorcycle and boxed them in near a road median. “In the impact, our legs were jammed between the motorcycle and the divider. When we cried in pain, they claimed we were acting. They alleged that we had robbed a bank,” Shinas said. He further alleged that the police took money from their pockets.“One officer hit me on the back, and they verbally abused us. We were returning after our ice-cream business with the money,” he said. Ashique claimed that police took Rs 15,000 from his pocket and refused to believe it was business earnings.“One policeman, after seeing gloves in my pocket, believed our version. But others refused to hear us,” he said. He added that he called his parents, who reached the spot and took them to a hospital. Both youths suffered leg injuries, and their motorcycle was damaged in the incident. The parents alleged that police personnel returned the money but left the scene without helping the injured.“We have filed a complaint with the Ambalapuzha DySP. We will also submit petitions to the Alappuzha District Police Chief and the State Police Chief,” a parent said. However, an officer at Ambalapuzha police station denied the allegations, stating that no such incident took place. Police said the duo’s motorcycle hit the police vehicle while they were being intercepted after allegedly refusing to stop during a check. They also released a video of the incident, claiming that the youths were not assaulted. Officials at the Ambalapuzha DySP office said a fact-finding inquiry has been initiated and both youngsters will be heard soon.