THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hitting the heads of protesters with lathi is considered inhumane and goes against police training. There are court orders prohibiting striking protesters on the head. Loknath Behera strictly opposed the practice of hitting on the head during his tenure as DGP. Despite the prescribed practice of aiming below the waist during police training, it did not seem to be followed.

IGP Prakash, during his tenure as the Commissioner of Thiruvananthapuram City Police had issued strict instructions against Reserve Policemen hitting the heads of protesters. Such actions have occurred despite continuous government warnings against losing self-control and causing physical harm to people.

During the recent KSU March in Thiruvananthapuram, a policeman struck two people including a girl, on the head and face from behind. According to the law, protesters can be arrested if they cause public disruption. If they attack or attempt to harm the police, the use of force may be warranted. However, the law allows force only for arrest or dispersing a violent crowd under Section 46 of the CrPC and it should not be used beyond provocation.

Hitting unarmed protesters on the head can be subject to legal action under sections 323 and 341 of the IPC for assault and grievous bodily harm. Even with the use of water cannons and tear gas, the general directive of no lathi charge and violence is not followed unless provoked.

The training method, influenced by the British in 1931, involved targeting the enemy's head, mouth, navel and neck with a baton to subdue them. This approach continued until five years ago. Since 2019, police have been trained to target militants below the waist to minimize injuries. To manage protests, leaders will be divided into three groups and arrested first, followed by those in the second tier. Those who throw stones from behind will be dealt with using batons.

Recent incidents involving police actions

Jayaprasad, a CPM worker who threw an object at Oommen Chandy when he was Chief Minister was physically assaulted by the police.

CPO Shabir kicked a protester who fell during the anti-Silverline protest in Mangalapuram.

An ASI who kicked a train passenger in Kannur for not having a ticket was suspended.