Unravelling a few questions surrounding the Maoist encounter at Bappanamala in Kerala on November 3, 2020, post mortem report reveals that there were 44 gunshot wounds on his body leading to internal bleeding resulting in his death. Moreover, the report on A Velmurugan’s death adds that two of his thighbones were broken post-death, indicating a possible instance of physical abuse as well.
With the latest information in tow, human rights activists led by CP Rasheed have decided to approach the High Court against the Kerala police, alleging that the officials shot Velmurugan intending to kill him. Earlier, the government and the officials had clarified that the Thunderbolt officers had only returned fire in defence against the attack by the Maoists. However, the post mortem report seems to indicate otherwise.
The doctor explains that Velmurugan had sustained injuries in several internal organs including lungs, liver, and heart. The activists claim that such an onslaught is improbable if the intention had been self-defence. Moreover, if the intention was to catch the Maoist then the police should have only shot below the knee.
Moreover, the post mortem injuries sustained on the thighbones point to inhuman violence and disrespect against a dead body, claims the activists. They plan to approach the High Court as well as the Human Rights Commission against the Thunderbolt in Velmurugan’s death.
Kerala police had shot dead Velmurugan in an encounter b at Padinjarathara forest in Wayanad. The police claimed that a small group of Maoists attacked the Thunderbolt commandos who were patrolling the area early in the morning. After a short exchange of gunfire, the surviving five members escaped into the forest. According to reports, no police officers were injured.
