Based on the detailed post-mortem report and scientific examination results, the Crime Branch (CB) team investigating the Vadakara custodial torture and death case has found the incident as a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
In the wake of the fresh finding, two police officers, Sub Inspector Nijeesh and Civil Police Officer Prajeesh, who were earlier placed under suspension in connection with the incident, were charged under Section 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. A fresh report adding the newly invoked Section was also submitted to the Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Saturday.
According to Crime Branch officers, Ponmeriparambil Sajeevan, a native of Kalleri, reportedly died of cardiac arrest as a result of the ill-treatment he faced at the police station. Earlier, it was registered as a case of unnatural death under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Two other officers including an Assistant Sub Inspector booked in connection with the incident were not found involved in the manhandling attempt.
