Kottayam: Relatives of a youth, who allegedly succumbed to death after attempting suicide while in police custody, have sought action against cops involved in the incident.
Navaz U, 27, son of late Sasi, Edathala House, Areeparambu was found hanging in the visitors wash room in Manarcad police station using his dhoti tied to the bars of the window, said Police.
Relatives alleged a custodial torture behind the death and sought action against the cops.
DGP Loknath Behera issued orders to Ernakulam Range IG and Kottayam SP to take stringent action against those guilty officers in connection with the incident. He also said that a magesterial-level probe will be conducted.
According to Kottayam SP Harisankar, the youth was taken into protective custody in drunkenness under section 47 of Police Act from the premises of his house in Rajeev Gandhi Housing Colony on Monday night. His relatives had rung up and complained to the police that the person is indulging in violent behaviour. He was tested positive for alcohol at the Kottayam Medical College at 12 am on Tuesday. He was thereafter, brought back to the station since no other anomalies were detected.
Navas had requested permission to use the toilet facilities moments before he was to be taken to court. He was found hanging in the toilet later. Though alive at the time of discovery, he died on the way to the hospital.
The Special Branch DySP will investigate the involvement of the police in the death.