Kerala Youths File Complaint Alleging Police Assault and Theft After Ice-Cream Sales Incident
In a disturbing incident from Alappuzha, Kerala, two young men and their families have lodged a formal complaint alleging severe physical assault and verbal abuse by police personnel at Thottapally. The complaint was submitted to the Ambalapuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police by residents Ashique and his friend Shinas, both from Vandanam, according to reports from news agency PTI.
Alleged Assault During Return from Temple Festival
The youths claim that on April 18, officials from the Ambalapuzha police station deliberately hit their motorcycle and then proceeded to assault them, while falsely accusing them of being thieves. Ashique, who assists his father in running an ice-cream business during school vacations, and Shinas were returning home after selling ice cream at a local temple festival when the alleged incident occurred.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shinas provided a detailed account: "A police vehicle overtook our motorcycle and boxed us in near a road median. In the impact, our legs were jammed between the motorcycle and the divider. When we cried out in pain, they claimed we were acting. They alleged that we had robbed a bank."
Claims of Physical Violence and Financial Theft
Shinas further alleged that the police officers took money directly from their pockets. "One officer hit me on the back, and they verbally abused us. We were returning after our ice-cream business with the earnings," he stated. Ashique corroborated these claims, asserting that police confiscated Rs 15,000 from his pocket and refused to believe it was legitimate business income.
"One policeman, after seeing gloves in my pocket, believed our version. But others refused to hear us," Ashique explained. He added that he immediately called his parents, who rushed to the scene and transported both injured youths to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Injuries and Damage Sustained
Both young men suffered significant leg injuries from the incident, and their motorcycle sustained considerable damage. The parents of the youths alleged that while police personnel eventually returned the confiscated money, they left the scene without providing any assistance to the injured individuals.
"We have filed a complaint with the Ambalapuzha DySP. We will also submit petitions to the Alappuzha District Police Chief and the State Police Chief," stated one of the parents, emphasizing their determination to seek justice through proper channels.
Police Deny Allegations, Present Counter-Narrative
However, an officer from the Ambalapuzha police station has categorically denied all allegations, insisting that no such assault or theft occurred. Police authorities presented a different version of events, claiming that the duo's motorcycle collided with the police vehicle while they were being intercepted after allegedly refusing to stop during a routine check.
Officials have released video footage of the incident, which they claim demonstrates that the youths were not assaulted. Authorities at the Ambalapuzha DySP office confirmed that a fact-finding inquiry has been initiated and both youngsters will be given an opportunity to present their side of the story soon.
The conflicting accounts have created significant tension in the community, with residents closely monitoring the investigation's progress. This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability in the region, particularly involving interactions with young citizens engaged in legitimate business activities.
