Madras HC seeks report on youtuber Savukku Shankar's health amid custodial torture allegations
Chennai: In response to allegations of custodial torture against YouTuber Savukku Shankar, the Madras High Court has requested a report from the District Legal Services Authority, Coimbatore, regarding his health condition.
The vacation bench comprising Justice AD Jagadish Chandira and Justice R Kalaimathi has instructed the authority to furnish a report by May 9, 2024. This decision came after being informed that the DLSA had deployed three empaneled lawyers and a specialist doctor to assess Shankar's health. The directive stemmed from a habeas corpus petition filed by Shankar's mother, Kamala, seeking a judicial inquiry into the alleged mistreatment of her son in custody and urging for his adequate medical care in a government hospital.
Shankar was arrested by the Coimbatore police on May 4, following a complaint by a female journalist regarding defamatory statements against women police officers. He has been detained in judicial custody until May 17, facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and related statutes. Shankar's mother alleges that he sustained severe injuries, including a fractured right hand, due to police brutality while in custody. Moreover, she asserts that the prison authorities have neglected to provide appropriate medical treatment, thereby violating his fundamental rights.
During the court proceedings, Senior Advocate John Sathyan, representing Shankar, argued that his client showed no signs of injury upon arrest but later exhibited a fractured hand, indicating possible custodial violence. Although Sathyan requested the court to allow Shankar to be presented via video conferencing for examination of his injuries, the court deemed it unnecessary, stating it would broaden the scope of the habeas corpus petition.
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Yenepoya University conducts autism awareness campaign in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) conducted a community-based Autism Awareness Campaign at Fiza Mall and Ullal Beach in the city.
The campaign was aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism, in line with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
The programme was led by Dr. Dhayanithi K and Dr. Ananya Jana as organising chairpersons, with Dr. Anas, Dr. Amanda S. Phillip, and Dr. Ansu V. David served as organising members.
Students of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme participated in conducting the campaign.
The event included activities such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct interaction with the public.
These activities focused on highlighting early signs of autism, the need for early intervention, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism.
The campaign reached around 300 to 500 members of the public. It also provided students with practical exposure to community-based rehabilitation and public health education.
As part of the initiative, QR-based digital resources were introduced to help the public access reliable information on autism.
“Awareness is the first step towards inclusion, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” the organising team said.
The department thanked the university for its support in organising the campaign. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the management of Fiza Mall and the Ullal Beach Police Department in facilitating the event.
