Kollam: Two women and a man accused police personnel at Kundara of assaulting them during a temple festival. The incident of March 23 night came to light after a video of the alleged assault went viral on social media.All India Youth Federation on Saturday staged a protest in front of Kundara police station, demanding action against the officers involved. The protest was called off after Kollam rural DSP placed sub-inspector Kiran S and police officer Atul Vasanth on leave, assuring a probe into the allegations. The alleged victims submitted a complaint to the DSP. A video purportedly showing a police officer manhandling a woman had surfaced online. The incident allegedly took place near Kanjiracode Altharamoodu Devi temple.According to the complaint, Ananthu (28) was taken into custody and beaten up. His wife Ashwani A (24) and his sister Geethu, all Peroor natives, were assaulted with lathis when they objected to the police action. The assault was carried out under the leadership of the SI and Atul, they alleged. Police officers attacked even those who attempted to intervene, they said. The mobile phone of a youth, who tried to record the incident, was snatched and damaged, they alleged.They were allegedly threatened, saying Ananthu would be remanded and more cases foisted on him. All three are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kollam city.However, police said the women sustained injuries during a lathicharge on a group that attempted to stop a DJ vehicle, which was brought from Karnataka and operating beyond the permitted time. The group intervened when police asked the vehicle to halt. Three DJ vehicles, including the one in question, were seized, police said.A case has been registered against Ananthu and Ashwani for obstructing police duty and creating public nuisance. Another case is pending against Ananthu at Kilikollur, police said.
