Protest erupts outside Kilimanoor police station over couple’s death

Tension prevailed at Kilimanoor on Tuesday after the relatives of a couple who died following a road accident alleged foul play in the case.

The protest took place on the MC Road in front of the Kilimanoor police station, where the body of 39-year-old Rajith, who hailed from Kunnummal, was placed. When the police attempted to clear the road using force to allow traffic, clashes broke out between the protesters and the police.

The accident occurred on January 3 at Pappala, near Kilimanoor, when a speeding jeep rammed the motorcycle on which Rajith and his wife Ambika were travelling. Ambika, who sustained critical injuries, died on January 7 while undergoing treatment.

Rajith, who had suffered severe injuries to his leg, was discharged from the hospital, but collapsed at home and died on Monday night.

The protesters alleged that three people who were inside the jeep fled the scene immediately after the accident. One person, allegedly in an inebriated condition, was caught by residents and handed over to the police. The jeep was subsequently taken into police custody. An identity card belonging to a government employee was reportedly found inside the vehicle, yet the remaining accused have not been arrested even after 15 days, the relatives alleged.

Further suspicion arose when the jeep was set on fire while in police custody a day ago. With the detained person also being released on station bail, the family has intensified its criticism that the accused persons are being protected by the police.

The deceased couple is survived by two children, aged five and one-and-a-half years.