Class X student ‘beaten up’ by cops in Kerala

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V. Vimal, a 15-year-boy studying in Class X at Leo XIII School, was allegedly tortured by the Alappuzha north police while he was attending special class at a tutorial centre on Friday night.

Following the incident, Vimal has been admitted to Alappuzha General Hospital. The parents of the student Mr B. Venu and Ms L. Ganga submitted a complaint to the Superintendent of Police, district collector and Child Welfare Committee on Saturday.

According to Vimal, the incident happened at 8 pm while he was attending special class to prepare for the SSLC model examination at a tutorial centre at the police quarters. “Deepak, another tenth standard student of TD school, who had apparently clashed with Vimal earlier, entered the class with policemen and beat him. The big toe of his left leg was crushed with a police boot,” said a source.

Three policemen were apparently involved in the incident one of whom was not in uniform. The cop in mufti, who arrived on a motorcycle, punched Vimal several times on his spine and crushed his toe. He was in an inebriated condition, alleged Vimal.

While boarding the police jeep, the driver also slapping Vimal over the ears twice. Vimal said that Deepak was the son of a Constable named Mr Kripakaran at North Police Station. He confessed that he had slapped Deepak earlier and Friday’s incident was a repercussion. “It was the retaliation of the clash,” said Vimal.

“I am suffering from back pain as result of the beating by the policemen.The SSLC examinations are round the corner. I don't know how I will study," he wept.

Meanwhile, Beena John, teacher at the tuition centre, told DC that the assault had taken place in front of her. “Even though I inquired the reason behind the issue, the policemen refused to reply and continued beating,” she told this newspaper. She added that she was unaware of the earlier issue between Vimal and Deepak. Ms John, who is the wife of a sub inspector, also said that though Deepak lived in the South Police Station’s limit, the North Police resorted to violence.

However, Deepak too was admitted to the general hospital on Friday night after he claimed that he was attacked by Vimal. He was discharged on Saturday.

Vimal’s mother Ms Ganga said they had submitted complaints to the collector and Superintend-
ent of Police. “This is an important time of his carrier as the SSLC examination is round the corner. How can he study when he is suffering from back pain?" she asked.

The CWC has also taken up the issue following the petition. CWC member Mr M.K. Abdul Samad said the probationary officer had been directed to submit a report on the issue. North Circle Inspector of Police Mr Ajay Nath said that he was asked to report on the issue by Superintendent of police (SP).

“The report will soon be submitted to the SP and stringent action will be taken against the culprits,” he said.