Sreejith's custodial death: Is it a fantasy world? Court asks as government tries to save AV George

Kochi: The Kerala High Court strongly criticised former Superintendent AV George while considering a plea relating to the custodial death of Sreejith of Ernakulam.

The court orally asked if it is a world of fantasywith such things happening without the knowledge of rural SP. It also asked if Sreejith was taken into custody without a standing instruction. The court was considering a plea, filed by Sreejith's wife Akhila, asking to hand over the case to CBI.

Director General of Prosecutions submitted that AV George was unaware of taking Sreejith into custody by Rural Tiger Force members and there is no evidence against the officer.

However, the court asked on what basis Sreejith was taken into custody and asked if RTF members were acting without any instructions.

The prosecution said that rural SP had not given any instruction to take anyone into custody but had sent RTF to the place where an attack was carried out on a house. However, the prosecution admitted that formation of RTF was against law. The court was informed that a department level action is being taken against it.

The government argued that a Special Investigation Team is investigating the case in the right direction and there is no need of a CBI investigation. However, the CBI responded that it will take up the investigation if the court orders so.

CBI pointed out that Sreejith was taken into custody on 6th April and it is wrong to say that AV George was unaware of the action as the records of arrest by RTF are routinely submitted to rural SP.

Hearing the arguments, the court reserved judgement on the plea. The court is likely to pronounce the verdict on Tuesday.