Activists blame his death on prejudice of police, society against ‘unusual’

The suicide of a Dalit youth following alleged custodial torture throws light on the prejudice of the police and society towards people who do not “fit the norms”.

Vinayak, 19, an employee of a beauty parlour, and his friend Sarath were taken into custody by the Pavaratty police on July 17. The police said Vinayak did not have driving licence.

Vinayak’s friend alleged that they were tortured by the police. The police allegedly had a problem with Vinayak’s ‘unusual hairstyle’. Vinayak committed suicide in his house next day.

The post-mortem examination also confirmed the allegation of custodial torture. It said that he suffered injuries on head and chest. There were boot marks on his legs and torture marks all over his body.

Criticising the alleged police brutality, rights activists demanded firm action in the case. It is a case of “round up the usual suspect”, said Fr. Benny Benedict, Director of Chethana Media College.

“There is a standard expectation from society in terms of dressing, mannerism, and hairstyle. All the off-beat people are suspects in front of society, including the police, teachers, and parents. Not only the police but society in general consider them outcasts,” he said.

K. Santhosh Kumar, Director of MAYA (Media activism among Youth and Adolescents), also shares the same views.

“It is intolerance towards ‘other’ people with different looks and opinion. It is part of fascist nature of the state. Violence against people from lower, powerless classes is becoming common. Society cannot tolerate any deviation from the usual. The police have been acting as a reactionary force in the so-called progressive Kerala society. People with different opinion and styles have been branded as problem group,” he said.

Martin, the lead singer of the folk rock band Oorali, had a similar experience in Thrissur. The police had serious problem with his long hair and unusual dressing.

Meanwhile, a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe action council, along with social activists and relatives, has started an agitation seeking justice for Vinayak.

“No one will treat even animals like this. Do not repeat such brutality, the suspended policemen should be removed from service,” says Krishnan Kutty, Vinayak’s father. “The violence against scheduled communities is scaring,” said Vettuva Service Society president Anandan Vadakkumthala.

“The policemen who tortured the youths and those who tried to protect the officers should be punished. We would give a complaint to the State/Central Scheduled Caste departments seeking action in the case,” he said.

The action council included 10 organisations, including the Vettuva Service Society, Bharatiya Pattika Jana Samajam, Ambedkar Smaraka Society, Vettuva Samudaya Kootayma, and Ambedkar Padana Kootayma.