Policeman on the run after man’s road death

Authorities suspend deputy superintendent of police Harikumar from service amid anger over incident

The death of a young man in Kerala — allegedly after being pushed onto a road by a police officer, only to be run over by a car — has triggered furore in the state.

Fingers are being pointed at a deputy superintendent of police, who is on the run, and police are taking flak for allegedly not doing enough effort to track down the officer.

The incident happened on Monday on the outskirts of the state capital. The deceased has been identified as S. Sanal Kumar, 32, while the accused is deputy superintendent B. Harikumar.

The two had an argument over the parking of Kumar’s vehicle at Kodangaravilakam junction, and Harikumar is alleged to have pushed the young man.

Kumar lost his balance, fell backwards and was struck by a passing car.

He was rushed to the Neyyattinkara General Hospital and later to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, but could not be saved.

Harikumar went into hiding after the incident and has been suspended from service, pending an inquiry.

The two had an argument over how Kumar’s vehicle was parked, and Harikumar is alleged to have pushed the young man. Kumar lost his balance, fell backwards and was struck by a passing car. Despite being rushed to hospital, he could not be saved.

Political protection

Yesterday, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala condemned the incident and criticised the police for not being able to apprehend the accused officer.

“This is state-sponsored murder,” Chennithala said, adding that Harikumar’s links to top political leaders were helping him to avoid arrest.

The deceased was an electrician and plumber.

Witnesses said Harikumar pushed him onto the road, leading to the oncoming car hitting him.