19-year-old kills himself after alleged police torture

Thrissur: Strong A 19-year-old youth, who was taken into custody by police for questioning and later let off, allegedly committed suicide at home in Thrissur district on Tuesday, after reportedly being tortured.

The youth, Vinayakan, and his friend had been picked up for questioning when they were talking to a girl on Monday afternoon, relatives said. They were allegedly beaten up and questioned in connection with gold chain thefts in the area.

Police maintained that the duo were picked up as they did not have relevant papers for the motorbike they had. Thrissur police commissioner T Narayanan told PTI that the Guruvayur assistant commissioner of police has been tasked with conducting a probe into the incident.

Only a probe will bring out the truth, Narayanan said.

Vinayakan, who works at a beauty parlour, was also reportedly asked to shave off his long hair. The youth came home and committed suicide by hanging, relatives said.