Dismissal procedure thwarted; Criminals within police force still enjoying reign

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Home Department has reportedly stalled the dismissal of police officers accused of serious crimes. The action initiated against 59 officers was thwarted by the police organisations due to pressure from political leadership.

Despite much hollering and debate, the criminals in the force evaded strict action for the past two years. Troublemakers continue to be in charge of law and order. Those who were suspended for bribery, custodial murder and custodial torture have been reinstated.

Kerala Kaumudi had published a leading news series called "Criminal Thoppi' pointing out the reign of criminals in the police. Following this, the Chief Minister gave strict instructions to the DGP to dismiss the regular troublemakers.

The new method of saving criminals is as follows: Those involved in serious crimes will be transferred only after a departmental investigation. If there is more pressure, they will be suspended. After creating a smokescreen to dupe the public, the officials will be reinstated and given the charge of law and order.

The decision was to file criminal cases against police officers aiding gangsters and mafia groups. Many police officers enjoy a clout with gangsters and leak crucial information to them. The Chief Minister's directive to ensure strict action regardless of rank was thwarted.

The DIGs and SPs who used to submit the list of criminals to the police headquarters at regular intervals have stopped this practice.

108 policemen were dismissed in the past eight years. Seven policemen who leaked the decisions of high-ranking officials to the sand mafia in Thrissur were also dismissed.