CHENNAI: Avadi Commissioner T Senthilkumar transferred a sub-inspector (SI) and a constable to the Armed Reserve (AR) following allegations that they assaulted a 21-year-old college student at M-5 Ennore police station earlier this month. He also ordered an assistant commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry into the complaint.
According to complainant S Mohamed Nafil of Ennore, the incident happened on August 10 when his mother called the police control room, following an argument at home where he allegedly threatened to beat his sister up, asking the police to reprimand him. Based on it, two personnel allegedly took him to the station around 4 pm the same day.
Nafil alleged that he was asked to sit on the floor but he refused, citing a previous surgery on his right foot. He alleged that a policeman identified as Suriya abused and slapped him in response, followed by SI Ragavendiran and several other personnel who also allegedly proceeded to assault him.
He further alleged that he was dragged into a separate room, where the lights were turned off, and beaten up with lathis and an iron pipe. He claimed to have sustained injuries to his hands, head, back and right foot, including the toe that had undergone surgery. He also alleged that he was threatened with a false ganja case if he disclosed the assault.
Speaking to TNIE, Nafil said transferring two personnel was not enough.
“Around 13 people assaulted me, but only two have been transferred. The 20 minutes I was assaulted were terrifying. If it had continued for another 10 minutes, I may not have been alive. Everyone involved should be punished,” he said.
Commissioner Senthilkumar said, “I have ordered the transfer of the two police personnel and a complete inquiry. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry conducted by the assistant commissioner.”
Meanwhile, People’s Watch coordinator I Aasirvatham, who raised the issue with the commissioner, said the other personnel who were involved in the assault should also be investigated. He urged the police to examine CCTV footage from the station, as the alleged assault reportedly took place inside the premises.
“The allegation suggests there was an intention to torture him. Not just the two, but the other personnel should also be investigated,” he said.
