More police brutalities surface in Kerala as family of DYFI leader vows to fight for justice
In Kerala’s Adoor, a grieving family is gearing up for a fierce legal fight over the alleged custodial death of their son Joel, a DYFI leader linked to the CPI(M). This comes amid growing reports of police brutality against detainees in the state, sparking fresh demands for justice.
Joel’s father, K.K. Joikutty, claims local CPI(M) leaders backed the police’s harsh actions against his son in 2020. He believes they feared Joel would reveal party secrets, including financial irregularities. “The CPI(M) says they expelled him, but that’s a total lie,” Joikutty told reporters. The family vows to keep pushing until everyone involved faces accountability.
It all started on January 1, 2020, during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government’s term (2016-21). Police arrested Joel—popularly known as Nellimukal Kochumukal Joel—after a vehicle accident dispute. But according to the family, things turned brutal under orders from CPI(M) leaders. Circle Inspector U. Biju and his team allegedly beat Joel badly, causing severe injuries.
Joel’s aunt, K.K. Kunjamma, tried to step in and protect him, but she claims the police assaulted her too. Joel battled health issues for months, suffering from pus and blood in his urine. Tragically, he died on May 22, 2020, from these complications.
The family filed complaints straight to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the State Police Chief that year, but they say nothing happened. Now, they’re determined to reopen the custodial death case in court.
The Congress party has jumped in, calling the whole incident “deeply suspicious” and pushing for a fresh probe into police atrocities in Kerala. They’re even preparing a list of similar cases to raise in the Kerala Assembly session starting next week, targeting the Vijayan regime.
On the other hand, CPI(M) leaders deny any role. They insist Joel died from a heart attack and had no ties to the party at the time.
As this Kerala custodial death case heats up, the family’s resolve shines through—they won’t stop until justice prevails for Joel.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
