By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Tempers ran high in the Assembly on Tuesday as heated confrontations erupted over the mounting allegations of police excesses across the State.
The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) launched a scathing attack on the State government by alleging systemic brutality, cover-ups, and a collapse in police accountability, particularly in the case of the custodial torture of Youth Congress leader V.S. Sujith at the Kunnamkulam police station.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly rebutted the charges by elaborating how the police have adopted a more people-friendly approach under his administration, unlike during the previous Congress governments.
The issue was taken up for discussion after the government relented to the Opposition’s demand. Congress MLA Roji M. John moved the motion seeking leave of the House to discuss the issue.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of shielding errant police officers and enabling a culture of impunity within the force. Citing multiple instances of alleged torture, he likened the situation to the Soviet-era gulag system.
“But, this is not Stalin’s Russia. This is democratic Kerala. We will question and oppose any regressive practices,” he declared.
Mr. Satheesan also alleged that the truth about the Kunnamkulam incident only came to light due to the Right to Information Act and accused the government of suppressing evidence. He demanded the immediate dismissal, and not mere suspension, of the officers involved in the incident.
Raising concerns over political interference in the policing system, the Congress leader claimed that local party leaders were influencing police transfers and obstructing disciplinary action against criminal elements within the force. As a result, the police force has become a tool of oppression, rather than protection.
In his response, the Chief Minister assured the House that no officer found guilty would be shielded and that strict action would be taken in all such cases. According to him, as many as 144 police officers had been dismissed from service for misconduct since the previous LDF government under his leadership came to power in 2016. No such action had been taken by the Congress during their terms in power, Mr. Vijayan alleged.
Referring to the Kunnamkulam case, Mr. Vijayan said the officers involved, including a sub-inspector, have been transferred and that their annual salary increments have been suspended for two years based on a departmental inquiry. A review of the disciplinary actions is also under way, as he hinted at the possibility of further action against the officers.
To further substantiate his defence, Mr. Vijayan cited data from the State Police Complaints Authority. According to him, complaints against police personnel have dropped from 808 in 2017 to 94 last year and just 45 thus far this year. “This trend indicates a natural reduction in complaints and suggests that such incidents are not widespread across the State,” he said.
Unconvinced by the Chief Minister’s response, the Opposition boycotted the Assembly proceedings. Moreover, two UDF MLAs, T.J. Saneesh Kumar and A.K.M. Ashraf, began an indefinite satyagraha on the Assembly premises, vowing to continue their agitation until the government adopts concrete action in the Kunnamkulam case.
