Misbehaviour that tarnished image of Thrissur Pooram; police officers may face action after elections

THRISSUR: Action may be taken against the top police officers including the city police commissioner who behaved in such a way that tarnished the image of Thrissur Pooram. It is indicated that action will be taken after the election code of conduct is withdrawn. Left leaders including minister K Rajan are furious over the police action which tarnished the image of the government during the elections. Minister K Rajan had expressed deep displeasure at the discussion held today morning. It is reported that the collector also responded in strong language.

During Madathil Varavu in the morning of Thrissur Pooram, the Commissioner tried to remove UDF leader CP John from the place, which led to protests. At the time of the Paramekkavu procession, a rope was tied across and people including the committee members were restricted access.

Strong dissatisfaction within police force

There is grumbling in the force that the policemen on duty are being blamed for the mistakes of the higher officials. People were barricaded and stopped during Pooram and the anger of the people for this was directed at the policemen who were on duty. Most of the policemen were tired after continuous duty. It is also alleged that the policemen were not even instructed where to stand for duty. As soon as the Madathil Varavu of Tiruvampadi entered the Swaraj round, the police closed access to the road as per the instructions of the Commissioner of Police. Officials with experience in managing Pooram were not posted at critical locations. There was no police on women-only duty.

CM should intervene: Journalists Union

The District Committee of the Kerala Journalists' Union has strongly protested against the misbehaviour of police against the media workers under the leadership of Police Commissioner Ankit Asokan in relation to Thrissur Pooram. There has been chaos from the granting of the media pass for Pooram. Media workers were given passes such that they were on both sides. The district committee also accused the police of making the media workers wait for passes like beggars on Pooram day and the day before Pooram.