Probe launched into death of youth due to ‘custodial torture’ at Kundara in Kerala

Representational image | Photo Credit: Getty Images Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has sought a detailed report from the State Police Chief into the death of a youth, allegedly from custodial torture, at the Kundara police station in Kollam.The deceased, identified as Siyad, was reportedly taken into police custody on June 16 in connection with the investigation into the disappearance of a 13-year-old neighbour. His wife and daughter reportedly waited at the police station until the early hours of June 17 seeking his release.His family alleged that Siyad was later released, after the missing child returned home, but had sustained severe injuries, including fractured ribs, allegedly inflicted by police officers while being taken to the police station. He succumbed to his injuries at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital.DYFI protestThe incident triggered protests, with activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staging a demonstration outside the Kundara police station on Monday. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded that the State government adopt immediate action against those responsible for the death.In a statement, Mr. Vijayan said that Siyad’s family has alleged that he died due to severe assault by the police while in custody. His wife claimed that the police began assaulting him while he was being taken in a police vehicle. The CPI(M) leader urged the government to ensure that all those responsible are identified and brought before law at the earliest. Published - July 27, 2026 08:46 pm IST