Vehicle checking should not be in police style

The Kerala Police is in a predicament when the entire force has to take the blame for the misdeeds of a few anti-human police officers. The Supreme Court has often issued strict guidelines on how police officers should behave when inspecting vehicles on public roads.

The tragedy that befell a father and daughter from the Pink Police in Attingal a few days ago is being discussed all over Kerala. An innocent father and daughter was publicly abused by the Pink Police Squad in Nadu Road for allegedly stealing a police officer's mobile phone. Finally, the mobile was in the bag of the officer who complained. Although the father and daughter were allowed to go after the truth was revealed, there is no solution to the humiliation they faced in the streets.

When the incident became big news, a young man named Shibukumar came forward to bring to the notice of the public the misfortune that befell his wife and three-year-old child at Balaramapuram last February. He was fined for speeding the car above the permissible speed. He did not have Rs 1,500 to pay the fine. The young man was willing to pay a total of Rs 500 in his pocket but was not allowed to go. He was let off only after paying the remaining amount from the acquaintances who came by.

Meanwhile, an angry police officer got into the car, took the keys and showed the police highhandedness. It should be noted that the police was ready to leave the place without even looking at the three-year-old child in the car. When the young man and his wife made noise, they agreed to give the key.

The generosity of the common man can be understood from the fact that he didn’t report the matter, thinking that the policeman also has a family to look after.

Such incidents clearly defines the behavior of the police team responsible for checking violators of traffic laws. Most of the officers perform their duties with utmost friendliness and dignity while some of them dare to abuse power. The old taskmaster police have no place in modern times. The police are only empowered to seize illegal vehicles and register cases. They have no power to punish. That is the responsibility of the courts. The police chief has to come to the scene once again to convince the police officers about this. Do not forget that the government itself is effectively affected by the frequent complaints against the police.