Siyad death case: CT scan shows rib fracture; family alleges police assault

KOLLAM: A CT scan report has revealed that Siyad, who died days after being questioned and released by Kundara Police, had suffered a fractured rib. The scan was conducted at the Kollam District Hospital on July 18.

According to his family, the rib fracture occurred when Siyad was allegedly assaulted inside a police jeep after he was taken into custody from his house in Perumpuzha on June 2.

The family said Siyad sought treatment at a private hospital on July 16 after developing severe back and chest pain. He was later referred to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital from the Kollam District Hospital. During examination, doctors found fluid accumulation around his ribs and spine. When the fluid was drained, it was found to be pus.

The family alleged that an infection caused by the fractured rib, which they claim resulted from police assault, later led to jaundice. Siyad died on July 24 while undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. However, the post-mortem report stated that Hepatitis B was the cause of death.

Meanwhile, Kundara Police said a relative had stated that Siyad was assaulted by another youth. Police also said one of the missing students had not gone to school after leaving home on the day of the incident and that a complaint had been filed against Siyad in connection with the case.

Siyad was taken into custody by Kundara Police around midnight after a complaint was filed regarding two neighbouring students who had gone missing. The complaint was lodged by the sister of one of the students. Police had reached Siyad's house along with the girl. The girl had claimed that she witnessed police assaulting Siyad inside the jeep.

Crime Branch begins probe

The Kollam Rural District Crime Branch has begun an investigation into Siyad's death. A team led by Crime Branch DySP M. Prasad visited Siyad's house and recorded statements from his family members.