Kochi: The postmortem report of Sreejith, a Varappuzha youth who died in police custody, has revealed that the victim was subjected to cruel torture before death. The report has strengthened the suspicion that Sreejith was subjected to third degree torture by the police, after he was taken in custody in a case of mistaken identity. Same type of wounds inflicted on both the thighs indicated that a thick cylindrical rod-like object , was rolled over the body.
Based on the postmortem report, a special medical board comprising five doctors has been formed to examine the nature of injuries.
The post-mortem report pointed to 18 wounds found on the body of Sreejith. The report also hints that the injuries on Sreejith's body were inflicted two days before his death, vindicating the assumption that he was tortured in custody as he had been picked up by the police on the night of April 6
Sources said the post-mortem revealed that Sreejith died after most of his small intestine was ruptured and the food he had eaten had spilled into other organs. The injuries were caused due being being kicked with boots.
The post-mortem conducted at Alappuzha Medical College and Hospital has established that the death was caused by the internal injuries and resultant complications arising out of not being treated on time.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing the death has found conflicts in the statements given by the members of Tiger Force under Aluva Rural SP A.V George and local police. SIT is moving for a polygraph test on policemen. Phone records of the accused policemen are being examined.