A former CPI(M) activist, who is accused of killing a Youth Congress worker in 2018, has been moved to the high-security cell of Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur, Kerala. This came after the man allegedly assaulted a jailer. In addition to being shifted to a high-security area, he has also been booked for assaulting the officer and charged with non-bailable offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
According to an officer from Viyyur police station, where the jailer lodged a complaint, an FIR has been lodged against the accused under sections 332 and 353 of the IPC. These sections contain provisions related to voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from their duty and using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty.
The incident occurred when the accused, Akash Thillankeri, was being escorted by the jailer to the superintendent’s office for disciplinary reasons. Thillankeri allegedly attacked the jailer en route, causing injuries that required medical attention.
The move to transfer Thillankeri to a high-security cell is due to concerns that he may be a threat to other inmates or staff at the prison. Viyyur Central Prison is a maximum-security facility that houses some of Kerala’s most high-profile prisoners.
Thillankeri’s case has been under scrutiny since the alleged murder of Youth Congress worker, S P Shuhaib, in February 2018. The incident took place in the northern district of Kannur. Reports suggest that Shuhaib was attacked by a group of men, including Thillankeri, who was a member of the CPI(M) at the time.
The incident sparked outrage, with the opposition parties blaming the ruling CPI(M) for the rise in political violence in the state. In response, the state government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. Thillankeri was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
The latest incident has once again raised concerns about prison security in Kerala. In recent years, there have been several incidents of violence and unrest in prisons across the state, leading many to call for better security measures and more rigorous screening procedures for new inmates.
While Thillankeri awaits trial for the murder of Shuhaib, he now faces additional charges for assaulting a jailer. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold and whether Thillankeri will be found guilty of the charges against him.
