Major overhaul likely in police department following Chennithala's return

ALAPPUZHA: Ramesh Chennithala, who led strong measures including cracking down on moneylenders and drug mafia during the Oommen Chandy government, is returning as Home Minister of the state. Kerala expect comprehensive measures to ensure impeccable law and order, effective crime investigation, and an end to gang violence, cyber fraud, drug dealing, and POCSO crimes.

Ramesh’s extensive administrative experience and leadership skills will come in handy in thoroughly implementing timely reforms to address the shortcomings of the LDF government. Chennithala was the Minister for Home and Vigilance from 2014 to 2016. Although he launched many projects to prevent crime and ensure law and order, the most important of them was Operation Kubera, which helped stop usury gangs and illegal money transactions.

"Clean Campus, Safe Campus" was a project implemented to protect students from the menace of drug abuse. This project was designed to prevent substance abuse and other inappropriate social behaviour among children and adolescents. The long-term campaign, including awareness campaigns against drug abuse up to class 12, was implemented in collaboration with the Home, Education and Health departments during Chennithala’s tenure.

His major achievements include making the police department more efficient by utilising modern technology, increasing the participation of female police officers as part of women's safety measures, and establishing a special system to prevent violence against women.

It is being reported that there will be a comprehensive overhaul of the force, starting from the post of Station House Officer. The SHO system may be abolished, and the station administration may be given to SIs, and the old circle system may be brought back. Inspectors will continue as Station House Officers only in stations with 3,000 FIRs per year. The redeployed officers may be assigned to investigate drug, POCSO and cybercrimes. It is reported that after the oath-taking, a meeting of top police officers will be called to formulate an action plan.