DJ's laptop damaged by police during New Year celebrations; CM orders probe into incident

PATHANAMTHITTA: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed an investigation into the incident in which a DJ artist's lap was allegedly damaged by a police officer during the New Year celebrations. The Chief Minister has directed the ADGP in charge of law and order to conduct a probe and take necessary action. However, DJ Abhiram Sundar said that he does not wish to pursue a legal case. He said that he would be satisfied if the police compensated him by providing him with a new laptop.

The incident took place during the New Year celebrations held at the Geo Ground in Pathanamthitta. A police officer allegedly kicked and damaged the DJ's laptop. Abhiram had shared visuals of the incident on social media yesterday. Police, in their explanation, said that the programme continued even after midnight despite instructions to stop. They also claimed that the allegation that the laptop was deliberately damaged is baseless.

Abhiram Sundar’s words

"I bought the gaming laptop with great effort and passion for my DJ work. I had spent around one lakh rupees on it. Now, the police have given me a "New Year's gift" by damaging it. What can ordinary people like me do? They were the ones who damaged the laptop? How can I complain against them?

The event took place in Pathanamthitta on New Year’s Eve, and the organisers had informed me that they had obtained permission. However, the programme started late and went beyond the permitted time. However, I was not aware of it.

While the programme was going on smoothly, a police officer came near the stage. As soon as we noticed the police, the DJ music was stopped. Despite this, another police officer climbed onto the stage and stamped on the laptop, damaging it. I used to handle my laptop very carefully. Even after stopping the music, he destroyed my laptop. It was a deeply distressing moment," he said.