There was a time here when criminals would run away when they see a policeman's hat. Law and order was maintained in the polling centres of a hotly contested election on the strength of the police force. Most of the old policemen had the will and courage to face any assailant. It was a time when the police were feared not only by the perpetrators but also by the common people, even though there were many who gained notoriety as thugs. Police have also changed a lot with the passage of time. And there were changes in their training. There has also been a change in their approach as they are responsible for protecting people's lives and property. Janamaithri police stations were introduced for this.

The tragic incident of Dr Vandana Das, who was stabbed to death by an assailant at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital, has led to serious discussions about the lack of physicality and modern training of the police force these days. Police are often unable to deal with emergency situations. Unable to confront the attackers, they turn back and run. There have been many incidents in recent times that have brought disrespect to the force itself. In the Kottarakkara Hospital incident, even though there were four policemen to fetch the problematic attacker from his house, they were unable to detain him when the attacker created an atmosphere of terror. Moreover, they tried to run away without trying to subdue the assailant. It should be understood that they do not even think of the preventive measures that should be taken naturally in such cases. This incident points to the inadequacy of the training provided to the police. In the recent past, there have been many incidents in many parts of the state where the policemen had to leave the scene without being able to deal with the assailants.

It is a big shame not only for the police force but also for the government that the law enforcers assigned to stop the violence have taken a beating. Such incidents are being repeated. Recently, in Kottayam's Pampadi, a policeman who came to rescue a woman locked in her house was assaulted resulting in an injury to his nose. Policemen who were checking vehicles in Thiruvananthapuram had to face beatings from vehicle owners. Many big and small incidents like this happen here and there. Many will try to beatup accused inside lockups. This will be in the hope that the captor will not do anything in return.

It is up to the government to decide that the policemen should not be beaten up by the locals and should be given enough training to face any dilemma fearlessly. The training program of the police should be revised to include all these. as criminals know new tricks. The police force should also be able to deal with them. The society considers policemen as saviours. If they are not free from the aggressors, chaos will be the result. There should be immediate intervention of the government in this serious matter.