Congress intensifies protests over Kunnamkulam custodial torture case in Kerala

The Congress party has intensified its attack over the Kunnamkulam custodial torture incident in Kerala, with the Youth Congress staging protests outside the houses of the accused police officers.

On Saturday (September 6, 2025), Youth Congress workers marched to the residences of Civil Police Officer Saseendran, one of the accused. However, he was not at home at time. The demonstration soon turned violent as protesters attempted to breach police barricades, leading to clashes. Several protesters were detained, and Youth Congress leaders alleged that the police denied medical aid to an injured worker.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who called on V.S. Sujith, the victim of the custodial torture, issued a stern warning. “The officers who assaulted Sujith will not dare to step out of their houses in uniform. If the government delays (action), the Congress will launch an agitation Kerala has never witnessed,” he said.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is also scheduled to meet Sujith later on Saturday. Apart from Mr. Satheesan, and KPCC president Sunny Joseph has visited Sujith, assuring that the party stands firmly by him “in the fight for justice.”

Meanwhile, the protests are spreading, with Youth Congress workers putting up ‘Wanted’ posters outside the house of another accused officer.

On Thiruvonam day on Friday, Youth Congress workers staged a symbolic ‘kolachor’ (food served just before execution of a prisoner) protest in front of the DIG’s office, accusing senior police officials of shielding the culprits.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, directing the Thrissur District Police Chief to submit a report within three weeks.

The custodial torture incident dates back to April 5, 2023, when Sujith was allegedly assaulted while in police custody. After a two-year legal battle, the visuals of the assault surfaced following an order by the State Information Commission, reigniting public outrage.