Thrissur, Keralam: An 18-year-old youth, Muhammed Aslam, died by suicide in Kodungallur, Thrissur, with his father alleging that police harassment and torture following his arrest drove him to take the extreme step.

Aslam, a native of Eriyad, was arrested along with his elder brother, Muhammed Sahal, in a case involving allegations of blackmail and extortion filed by the family of a minor girl.

His father, Naushad, has accused officers at the Kodungallur Janamaithri Police Station of falsely implicating his sons and physically assaulting them in custody.

According to Naushad, the police contacted him on September 27 and asked him to reach the station, where he found Aslam and Sahal in custody.

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He alleged that the brothers were illegally detained for three days and subjected to physical assault. He also claimed that Sahal took responsibility for the alleged offence after witnessing the treatment of his younger brother.

Aslam was subsequently released on bail, while Sahal remained in custody, according to the family’s account.

Naushad alleged that his son was under severe mental distress following the incident and demanded action against the officers involved. He has named Circle Inspector Baiju and Sub-Inspector Athul Mohanan in his complaint.

The police, however, have maintained that the case originated from a complaint by the minor girl’s family. According to reports, the allegations against the brothers included threatening to circulate the girl’s private photographs and messages to extort 20 sovereigns of gold and ₹50,000 in cash.

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Police also reportedly investigated claims that the alleged proceeds were used to purchase an Innova car.

The family has disputed the police version and called for an independent investigation into Aslam’s death and the allegations of custodial torture.