Wrongly nabbed, man alleges custodial assault

A MAN suspected of theft was allegedly subjected to brutal assault by police officials in Muvattupuzha, raising serious questions about the spirit of 'Janamaithri' policing.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kochi

Amal Antony, 35, of Vallikkada, was allegedly assaulted brutally by cops after he was taken into custody over suspicion of stealing an inverter battery from a flower shop in Muvattupuzha town. He was later released without any charges as the police found he was not guilty.

The incident took place around noon on August 12, while Amal was having lunch at home with family. "A team of about five to six police personnel arrived, parked their vehicle some distance away and behaved as if they were targeting a dangerous criminal," said Jiju, a resident. He said the team surrounded the house and allegedly dragged Amal out before taking him into custody.