Party members and police are not above the law

Recently, a disturbing incident occurred in Nagaroor, near Kilimanoor, where local leaders of the CPM parked their car across a police sub-inspector's vehicle in the middle of the road. This act of defiance was triggered by the police issuing a case and serving notices at the homes of the accused, following a complaint from Congress members regarding the vandalism of flex boards during the Puthu Yuga Yatra, led by Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan. Taking the law into their own hands and resorting to violence against the police cannot be justified under any circumstances. The leaders who exited their car parked in front of the police jeep yelled abusive language and threatened to transfer the sub-inspector by the evening. This intimidation continued even at the police station. Such behavior, which openly challenges law enforcement, disrespects the sovereignty of the state. No responsible leader, who is accountable to their constituents or party, should conduct themselves in such a manner. The arrogance of believing that the party will shield them from consequences is fueling this unacceptable behavior. If this trend is not addressed, it could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order.

There has been a notable increase in incidents where police officers are shouted at, assaulted, and even having detainees released from custody by local leaders. The government must clarify whether the local party leaders have taken control of police station operations. The state leadership of the party should emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline and adhering to the law and judicial system. It is vital to communicate to party members that such injustices will not be tolerated. With assembly elections approaching, the party leadership should consider the negative image that these unruly actions are creating among the public.

On the same day as the Nagaroor incident, it was reported that four policemen from the Thiruvananthapuram Fort police station were suspended for using third-degree torture. These officers, including a Grade Sub-Inspector, were found guilty of brutally assaulting two youths, aged 24 and 28, who had been arrested in connection with a bike theft case. The existence of such torture practices is entirely unacceptable.

The accused were assaulted both while being transported to the police station and later at the station itself. Additionally, a minor was beaten during this incident, and the police concealed the fact that a 17-year-old was also arrested. The Chief Minister, who faced third-degree torture during the Emergency, recently asserted in a TV interview that custodial torture would not be tolerated in police stations and that he would not compromise on this issue. This revelation has become a significant embarrassment for both the police and the home department. It is often said that police can accuse innocent individuals while shielding actual criminals, and such incidents have been occurring across the state for an extended period. Both party members and the police are aware of who is truly responsible for these ongoing skirmishes. Those accountable should not let this confusion slip their minds.