The sub-inspector (SI) of the Koodal police station was transferred on Thursday after a Special Branch inquiry found procedural violations and indications of custodial harassment during the investigation into a sexual assault complaint, which was later found to have been fabricated.The action comes in view of a report submitted by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Branch)) on allegations of police brutality and procedural lapses raised by the detainees in complaints to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.While sub-inspector Jaimon has been shifted to the Pathanamthitta Armed Reserve (AR) Camp, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) will decide on disciplinary action against the circle inspector (CI), who was in charge of the Koodal police station at the time of the incident.The Special Branch report, submitted to District Police Chief R. Anand on Wednesday, confirmed violations of standard operating procedures during the investigation and pointed to instances of police harassment. The District Police Chief has forwarded the report to the DIG, recommending disciplinary action against the officers concerned.The controversy arose from complaints that a 20-year-old man with a heart ailment was taken into police custody and brutally assaulted during the investigation. The Koodal police had detained and questioned around six persons, including minor students, in connection with the case.Separate plaintsThe complainant, a native of Padam who was staying in rented accommodation at Pathanapuram, alleged that he was taken to the police quarters and subjected to severe physical assault. The minor students who had been taken into custody also submitted separate complaints to the Home Minister alleging police harassment.The developments stemmed from a complaint lodged by a 13-year-old girl on July 6, who alleged that she had been sexually assaulted. However, the subsequent investigation revealed that the allegation had been fabricated by the girl out of disappointment over a failed romantic relationship.The allegations originally came to light during a counselling session held at the minor’s school. Based on this disclosure, the Koodal police registered two First Information Reports (FIRs). Published - July 09, 2026 07:39 pm IST