CM defends police amidst opposition uproar over law and order situation, opposition stages walkout

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition on Wednesday accused the police of failing in their duties, claiming that instead of restraining criminals, the police themselves have lost control. In response, the Chief Minister defended the force, stating that the police uphold public welfare and justify the name "People’s Force."

The heated exchange occurred after N. Shamsudeen moved an urgent motion in the assembly highlighting repeated police failures and misconduct. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan alleged that people’s lives were under threat from gangsters, and the police were unable to control them. Following this, the opposition walked out of the Assembly.

Shamsudeen argued that law and order had never been this poor, accusing Kerala of becoming a haven for organized crime, comparable to Mumbai’s underworld. He further alleged that bribery within the police had become digitalized.

Satheesan criticized the police for their inaction, stating that even when women reported threats to their lives, no action was taken. He questioned whether the police had lost their conscience, citing an incident in Pathanamthitta where officers allegedly attacked civilians indiscriminately, including women and children. "Did the police lose their vision? Were they the ones intoxicated?" he asked.

CM acknowledges lapses but defends police
In response, the Chief Minister admitted that there were lapses on the part of the police in Nenmara and Pathanamthitta, but emphasized that action had been taken against those responsible. However, he cautioned against generalizing these incidents to defame the entire police force.

He defended the police, stating that law and order in Kerala was among the best in the country. "If a court grants bail to a criminal like Chenthamara, can the police still arrest him? We will not justify wrongful acts by the police, but strict action will be taken against any misconduct. If a DySP is caught drunk driving, does that mean the entire police force is alcoholic?" he questioned. He also dismissed the allegation of digitized bribery, suggesting it might be a reference to Wayanad.

Government protecting unholy nexus between police and goondas
Satheesan countered that goons were roaming freely everywhere in the state. As per police records, there are over 2,000 gangsters. He accused the police of having unholy ties with criminal gangs, stating that police officers were often seen as chief guests at gang meetings. He sarcastically suggested that gangsters could even hold district and state conventions.

He cited incidents where gangsters publicly celebrated birthdays by cutting cakes on car bonnets in major junctions. "One such gangster was welcomed into a political party with a garland by Minister Veena George," he alleged.

Satheesan also revealed that 14 police officers with gang affiliations were reinstated, while 18 more remained in service. He accused the government of politically shielding criminals and urged them not to let the police go unchecked. Furthermore, he claimed that procedural lapses in drug cases allowed accused individuals to escape punishment.