After protesting for nearly 453 days for justice for his brother’s custodial death, Sreejith from Parassala ended his fast on Wednesday after PC George’s intervention. The youth who had staged an indefinite protest in front of the Secretariat in Trivandrum, had started a hunger strike about 50 days ago. The Kochi Post had reported that he was seeking justice for his brother who died in police custody.
Sreejith had recently submitted a complaint to MLA PC George. The MLA promised to meet and discuss the issue with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday, 14th March and ensure justice is meted out. And it is on this promise that Sreejith broke his fast by sipping on lemon juice.
Though the police officials had reported that Sreejeev had consumed poison, he had in fact succumbed to injuries due to brutal torture while being detained by the officials. The police had informed the family- Sreejith and his mother of Sreejeev being admitted after attempting to take his life. Sreejith’s father, a toddy worker too, had passed away in a similar manner post beating from police officials who had trashed him along with other toddy workers.
Sreejeev who was booked on the charges of mobile theft, was actually detained by sub inspector Philippose on the behest of a complaint by his cousin. Sreejeev was involved with the police official’s cousin’s daughter. Her wedding, was however fixed. Fearing that the girl might elope with Sreejeev, a complaint was made to detain him.
Post a detailed investigation by the Police Complaint Authority, the real reason for Sreejeev’s death was revealed. The Authority even recommended suspension for the police officials involved and a fine of 10 lakhs to be given to Sreejeev’s mother and brother. But despite clear orders from Chief Secretary of Home, Nalini Netto to carry out the orders, DGP Loknath Behera put a stay on the recommendation stating that the officials couldn’t be punished unless they were proved guilty.
In a government order, names of the police officials are clearly stated as Prassala Circle Inspector Gopakumar and Sub Inspector Philippose as those mainly involved and officers Prathapachandran and Viajaydas as accomplices. The officials apparently also moved High Court claiming innocence and that no disciplinary action should be taken against them.
Sreejith who began his protest in quest for justice for his brother may have ended his fast, but justice will be meted out only if the officials behind this gruesome murder are proven guilty and punished suitably.
