A 29-year-old Muslim bus driver from Kerala’s Kollam district died in hospital on Saturday after his family alleged he was subjected to custodial assault by police following his detention in connection with a missing child complaint.
Siyad, a resident of Kundara, died at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while on ventilator support after suffering complications from multiple rib fractures that allegedly led to a severe lung infection, according to his family and local media reports.
His family said Siyad was taken into custody on the night of June 16 after police questioned him over the disappearance of a 13-year-old boy from the neighbourhood. He was released the following morning after the child returned home safely.
The complainant in the missing child case alleged that Civil Police Officer Sreejith assaulted Siyad inside a police vehicle during custody.
“I was inside the jeep when Siyad was beaten. He cried out in pain,” the complainant alleged, adding that the assault continued despite Siyad’s repeated pleas.
Siyad’s parents, Badrudeen and Arifa Beevi, alleged that their son told them he was beaten after police mistook him for another person.
The family said Siyad had no prior health issues but was unable to drink water for several days after his release. An X-ray conducted at Kollam District Hospital reportedly showed multiple rib fractures. His condition later deteriorated after he developed a lung infection, leading to his transfer to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he died.
Police have denied allegations of custodial assault.
The District Crime Branch, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, has launched an investigation into the incident.
Siyad’s relatives, describing him as the family’s sole breadwinner with no criminal record, have demanded the dismissal and prosecution of the officers allegedly involved. They also plan to submit complaints to the Kerala chief minister and the state’s Director General of Police, seeking a fair and transparent investigation.
The death triggered protests and political reactions across the state. The Democratic Youth Federation of India staged a demonstration outside Kundara Police Station, demanding action against those responsible.
Political leaders, including former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) MLA K.N. Balagopal, called for stringent action if the allegations are proven. Balagopal also sought the suspension of the officers concerned, registration of a murder case and financial assistance for Siyad’s family.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of allegations of custodial violence in Kerala, with rights groups and political parties calling for accountability as the investigation continues.
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