Vanchiyoor road blockade: SHO offers unconditional apology in High Court

KOCHI: DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib requested the court to exempt police officers from punitive actions for failing to control traffic during public programs, held blocking the road. In this regard, DGP filed a petition in the High Court. The High Court had directed IPS officers Sparjan Kumar, Putta Vimaladitya and Kiran Narayanan to appear in person on the 10th. Among those facing contempt of court was the DGP, but he was prevented from appearing in person.

Maradu native N. Prakash filed the contempt petition in connection with the inept traffic handling including Vanchiyoor CPM conference, Joint Council Secretariat Dharna, Balaramapuram Jwala Vanita Junction program and Kochi Corporation Dharna of Congress.

The DGP pointed out that the police did not deliberately violate the court orders. A case has been registered against 500 people in Vanchiyoor and 149 people in Kochi. There is another case involving 10 officials of the Joint Council. There was no traffic jam during the event at Balaramapuram. However, it was confirmed that the then Rural SP who participated in the program committed a lapse.

The DGP also stated that a circular has been issued to all police stations on January 21 regarding the rules to be followed in public events.

Kollam City Police Commissioner Kiran Narayanan, who inaugurated the Balaramapuram 'Jwala Vanita Junction' event, tendered an unconditional apology to the High Court. The program was held on the last working day before he was transferred from the post of Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP. The invitation was accepted as an official program of Balaramapuram Panchayat aimed at women's empowerment.

Vanchiyoor SHO H.S. Shanif also offered an unconditional apology. A notice was issued to the organizers of the event in Vanchiyoor but they did not comply. The SHO also informed that they did not resort to force due to the fear of law and order problems.

Meanwhile, party secretary M V Govindan filed a petition requesting the court to exempt him from personally appearing in court for the Vanchiyoor stage case.