Kerala police: Old wine in new bottle

One among the motley dialects in the Malayalam language is the ‘Police Malayalam’. This dialect is replete with slurs, abuse and expletives and it is a common sight inside police stations in Kerala. A lion’s share of police officers espouses such invective-filled language that they believe could easily confront the thieves and history sheeters. But recent examples prove that the foul language is not just constrained to thieves and criminals, but is also to be used against commoners visiting the station for queries.

While considering the petition filed by a lawyer from Alathur in Palakkad district against the local SI, the High Court in clear terms reminded the entire police force: “The police are not above the people! Don't think people will tolerate anything because of fear!”

Advocate Aquib Suhail reached the police with a court order highlighting the release of a vehicle involved in an accident. However, the lawyer had to leave the station embarrassed after being rudely treated by Alathur SI Rineesh. The scenes that unfolded at the station were circulated on social media. Justice Devan Ramachandran's bench considered the contempt petition pointing out that the conduct of the SI violated the earlier order that the police should treat the people with dignity.

Adjourning the case to June 11, the court eulogized the police force in Kerala as the best in the country and said it is the handiwork of some officials who are badly trying the tarnish the image of the department. It was a recurring scene in old movies to see police officials adorning small trousers, manoeuvring their horn moustaches, and instilling an air of fear among all. However, they are all bygone days of police raj. A complete overhaul of the police force was made not just for the dress code but also for the officials to be amicable with the commoners. Despite the big reforms, there is no dearth of complaints about slurs, abuse and the fuming attitude of the police toward common people. That is why the common people, including women, start shivering at the very thought of stepping into the police station with a complaint.

There are five M.Tech degree holders out of the 461 police officers who completed their training in SAP and KAP 3rd Battalion and became part of the force the other day! There were 65 engineering graduates while 38 among them had qualified for PG. 224 people have other degrees in various subjects. It should be made a topic of discussion on how this educational richness suddenly starts plummeting upon assuming office as a policeman.