Kollam: Kollam Rural district police chief Shaji Sugunan suspended CPO S Sreejith after a departmental enquiry found evidence of misconduct, negligence and violations of service rules in connection with the custodial death of Perumpuzha native Siyad, 36. The enquiry also found that police had assaulted Siyad while transporting him in a jeep. Siyad died on July 24 at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College where he was undergoing treatment.The suspension order said that the officers who took Siyad into custody failed to conduct a physical examination or obtain a medical fitness certificate before bringing him to the police station. The order also said that the officers did not do a medical examination or provide timely medical attention though Siyad was unwell while in custody.The order concluded that Sreejith, attached to Kollam’s Kundara Police Station, had committed serious disciplinary lapses, displayed negligence in the discharge of his duties and violated service regulations. The district police chief suspended him amid mounting public outrage over the alleged custodial torture and death.Sources said additional legal and departmental action is expected based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
