Human rights commission confirms police assault on youth

Kollam: An investigation by human rights commission has confirmed that the allegations of a young man being taken into custody and beaten by Anchalummoodu police are true. The findings came after an inquiry was conducted on the directive of commission member V Geetha, following a complaint lodged by the man's mother.The victim was identified as Muhsin, a resident of Vellimon in Kollam. However, since the victim filed a writ petition in high court regarding the same incident, the commission closed the case. The incident occurred on Oct 13, 2022. Police took Muhsin into custody after they arrested Sreelal, an accused in a criminal case, from the complainant's house. He was allegedly beaten by a CPO on the roof of the Anchalummoodu police station building. He sustained a shoulder injury in the assault. The complainant Shahubana stated that her son was not involved in any case and that she realised he was assaulted only after he experienced discomfort and went to the hospital after being released by the police. The investigation report confirms the beating. The investigation report mentioned that there were eyewitness testimonies and CCTV footage proving that Muhsin was assaulted. Although an investigation was conducted against the CPO by Chavara SI, the allegations were not substantiated. Nevertheless, the chief investigating officer stated that a warning punishment was given as such allegations from a member of the disciplinary force are inappropriate for the police force.