"Don't expect respect": Kerala Police Association dismisses former DGP Sreelekha’s 'uncivilized' protest

The incident where R. Sreelekha, former DGP and current Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Councilor (Sasthamangalam Ward), raised slogans against the Kerala Police has sparked a major controversy. Sreelekha joined a protest march led by BJP Mahila Morcha activists in front of the Vattiyoorkavu police station. The protest followed a clash between BJP and CPM workers in Vattiyoorkavu.

In response, the Kerala Police Officers’ Association (KPOA) stated that active-duty officers need not take such actions seriously. General Secretary C.R. Biju, in a Facebook post, remarked that "various types of evolutions are natural in humans" and that those who have "evolved" in this manner no longer deserve the consideration typically given to former police officers.

Full Text of the Facebook Post

For the past two days, mainstream and social media in Kerala have been dominated by discussions regarding the conflict in Vattiyoorkavu and the subsequent police actions. The police are a department that works tirelessly to maintain the peace and security of our land. If one examines the role played by the Kerala Police without prejudice, it is evident that their mission is highly commendable.

In Vattiyoorkavu, we witnessed a situation where police officers—who arrived to control a conflict threatening public peace—were brutally assaulted. They were pelted with stones and wood, resulting in serious injuries. One officer, who sustained critical injuries, is still being treated in the ICU.

Multiple cases have been registered regarding this incident. Individuals from different political parties have been named as accused, and many have been arrested. When such incidents occur, it is a legal procedure for the police to file cases, arrest the accused, and produce them before the court. Let the court evaluate the merits and take a decision.

However, I regret to say that the actions taken by a certain section following the Vattiyoorkavu incident are utterly uncivilised. Hurling verbal abuse at officers performing their official duty reflects one’s own culture. But to those who go to the residences of police officers to threaten them and their parents, we have only one thing to say: The operations of the Kerala Police cannot be shaken by such "hollow threats" (ola-paambu). Realise that having a few retired officers among such groups adds no extra weight to your cause.

If there are complaints against police actions, anyone has the right to react and protest. Any legal recourse can be taken. However, if you approach us with "goondaism" instead, we will respond with the strongest legal measures possible.

The Kerala Police will remain at the forefront to ensure that the security and harmony of our land remain uncompromised. The department will provide full legal protection to those performing their duties according to the law. The police organisation will always stand with what is right.

Let me mention one more thing. Once a person retires from police service, they are an independent citizen—whether they were a Civil Police Officer or a DGP. There are nearly 40,000 retired police officers in Kerala today. Many of them pursue various professions to make a living. Many are active in different political movements, and some are even people's representatives. We look upon those former officers who work among the people with dignity as part of various social, cultural, and political movements with great pride.

However, as is the case everywhere, it is natural to see some outliers. We saw two such reactions recently. While one person shouted, "Get lost, you police (Poda pulle polisse)," the other claimed, "We will demolish the police station," just to gain applause.

Active police officers need not take this seriously. Various types of transformations/evolutions are natural in human beings. We should simply ignore them, recognizing that those who have "evolved" in this manner no longer deserve the consideration typically reserved for former police officers.

The goal of the police must be the security and protection of the land. Every action must be legal. Some may continue to approach the police with attacks, insults, and threats. Every police officer must be able to move forward with wisdom rather than emotion. Simultaneously, the police must take strict legal action against such assaults.

C.R. Biju

General Secretary, KPOA