A 17-year-old boy was allegedly beaten by the Kumbala police for filming officers assaulting locals during a street altercation at Mogeal in Kasaragod, Kerala, on October 17. The boy and his parents who later approached the Kumbala police to file a complaint were allegedly threatened with being made accused in the same case.
According to the complaint, the police had reached the spot following an argument that broke out during a school festival which turned into a scuffle on the road. Eyewitnesses alleged that officers used force even against bystanders and minor children uninvolved in the dispute. The 17-year-old, who had recorded the incident on his phone, was allegedly beaten with a lathi when the police noticed him filming.
The injured boy was later taken to hospital by a relative. The hospital authorities informed the police about the assault, after which the family was called to the police station two days later. Believing it was to record their statement, they went to the station, but were allegedly coerced to sign documents aimed at framing them in a false case.
Video footage purportedly of the incident shows the police detaining the teenager and his friends from a nearby shop.
The family has lodged complaints with the Chief Minister, the District Police Chief and the Kerala State Human Rights Commission seeking action against the officers involved.
‘Mild force used to disperse crowd’
When contacted, Kasaragod District Police Chief Vijay Bharath Reddy said the police tried to disperse the crowd comprising about 400 students and locals after the conclusion of school festival.
“The crowd had blocked the road and the service road completely, which caused commotion and traffic congestion. Even ambulances were stuck,“ Mr. Reddy said.
“The police had to use mild force to disperse the crowd to ensure law and order, besides allowing free traffic movement,“ he said, adding that a case was also registered under Section 194(2) of the BNS in connection with the incident.
He admitted that a complaint has been received, but that there is “no evidence” to support the allegation. However, an order has been issued directing Kasaragod ACP Nandagopan to inquire into the matter and submit a report, Mr. Reddy said.
Published – October 27, 2025 12:13 pm IST
