Overview
- At a press conference on October 23, Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil presented videos and photos to identify Inspector Abhilash David as the officer who allegedly struck him multiple times during the October 10 Perambra protest, causing nasal injuries that required surgery.
- Parambil alleged David was dismissed on January 19, 2023 over links to criminal elements and lapses in a POCSO case, then quietly reinstated, and he cited an RTI reply claiming the officer’s records are missing while others’ are available.
- He said his statement has not been recorded and the inquiry into the assault has stalled, and he has filed a complaint with Parliament’s Privilege Committee while preparing further legal action.
- David told reporters he was on duty in Perambra that day but not assigned to the protest detail, and he said he returned to service after a favorable State Administrative Tribunal order, disputing reports that he was dismissed rather than suspended.
- Parambil also pointed to operational failures, noting a tear gas grenade burst that injured then DySP R. Hariprasad, after which the Kozhikode Rural SP ordered refresher training on tear gas handling on October 16.