KANNUR: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Saturday registered a suo motu case against Kannur SP Yatish Chandra after the IPS officer was seen forcing men to do squats as punishment for coming out during lockdown. Directing DGP Loknath Behera to conduct an investigation on the incident, SHRC member P Mohandas pointed out that the police officer does not have the right to punish anyone.

The police DGP was asked to investigate the alleged crime committed by the men who did the squats. He should submit the investigation report within three weeks. The SHRC registered the case based on the media reports which showed the police officer punishing three men for coming out during lockdown. Mohandas further added that any similar acts can only be seen as a violation of the Police Act. He also stated that the public should follow the instructions provided by the police and refrain from coming out during this crisis situation.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also condemned the IPS officer's action by stating that such actions will only serve to tarnish the reputation of the police force.