2 serving cops get death for custody death

Thiruvananthapuram, July 25

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In a landmark ruling, a Special CBI court on Wednesday sentenced to death two serving police officers in connection with the custodial death of a 26-year-old man in 2005.

This is believed to be the first time that capital punishment has been awarded to two serving police officers in Kerala, police sources said.

ASI K Jithakumar and civil police officer SV Sreekumar were awarded the death penalty along with a fine of Rs 2 lakh by the court here.

Three other accused  have been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for destruction of evidence and conspiracy, besides a fine of Rs 5,000 each.

Judge J Nazer said “the acts would definitely adversely affect the very institution of the police department”. Udaykumar was taken into custody in a case of theft and allegedly tortured at a police station. He died of severe injuries and ruptured veins. — PTI