NHRC notice to Kerala Govt in Kevin Joseph murder case

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a Dalit, two policemen were taken into custody and questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 30, 2018, following damning evidence of their role in helping the gang that murdered newly married Kevin Joseph in Kottayam, Kerala.

Kevin, 23, belonging to Dalit Christian community, was allegedly abducted by the family members of his wife a day after their wedding from the house of his cousin. His badly bruised body was found two days later in a rivulet.

The NHRC has observed that going by the contents of the media reports, the Rights to Life, Liberty and Dignity of the victim have been grossly violated.  Such kind of inhuman acts cannot be accepted in a civilized society.  The State has a responsibility to safeguard the rights of its citizens from such heinous crimes.

Taking suo-motu cognizance of the matter, the NHRC has  issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Kerala, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks along with status of rehabilitation/protection provided to the family members of the deceased.  The response is expected within four weeks, according to an NHRC release.

As per media reports carried on May 31, 2018, the brother of the wife of deceased and his father have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.  One of the accused surrendered in Peerumedu court. He was handed over to the police. An audio tape of conversation between guilty ASI and the brother of the wife of the deceased has also been run on TV channels, which reportedly, indicates involvement of the police personnel in the crime. The Finance Minister of the State has also said that the incident is an indelible blot on the state’s reputation.