THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that violence against women will be dealt with severely. While stating that the recent deaths that took place in connection with dowry were a shame to the state, the CM directed the police to take stern action against dowry harassment and violence against women. He was speaking after inaugurating the new police buildings and laying the foundation stone online.

"We have seen several girls committing suicide at a very young age due to dowry-related harassments. Kerala should not change like this. The government has already provided a contact number for women in case of any difficulties. A woman police officer has been assigned to investigate and resolve complaints regarding dowry. The CM also said that women in distress could also contact the office of the state police chief.

"The government is examining the possibility of allowing special courts to prosecute dowry cases. Ward level systems and awareness systems will be set up in all local bodies," he added