Dalit youth allegedly assaulted by police during questioning in Kottayam; police deny charge

The family of a Dalit youth from Peringalam in Poonjar alleged that he was assaulted by police after being taken for questioning regarding a suspected electricity cable theft. The youth, Abhilash, was undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. Pala Deputy Superintendent of Police T M Varghese denied the allegation, stating the police were investigating KSEB electricity wire theft after a landslide in the Poonjar area. He added that Abhilash, who does contract work for KSEB, was summoned to record his statement.