The police case filed against CBI for allegedly torturing DySP N.A. Rasheed, an accused in the murder-attempt on Mathrubhumi scribe Unnithan, would soon be transferred to the crime branch, as per sources.
Sources said investigating officer Joseph Saju moved a letter to the Kochi police commissioner Ajith Kumar, seeking his permission to transfer the case.
This is seen in the backdrop of a circular issued by the DGP in 2009 which said cases of officers of and above the rank of Circle Inspector being accused of a crime should be probed by the Crime Branch.
If the Crime Branch takes up this case, it will be their third against the CBI – the other two being the suicide case of cop Augustine, who was a witness in Abhaya murder case and Haridath suicide case.
The non-bailable charge against CBI sleuths, including the superintendent of police K. Krishnakumar and additional superintendent of police Jayakumar, was registered by the Ernakulam North police on April 23. It was filed by Rasheed’s elder brother Shahul Hameed.
Rasheed, also the state president of Kerala Police Service Officers’ Association, was arrested by the CBI on April 16.
He had alleged in the court that CBI officer Jayakumar had stamped him on his back and twisted his arms during questioning.
He had also accused the CBI officers of influencing the doctor at the Ernakulam general hospital so as not to report the “shoe” marks on his back.