THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police, who were the nightmare of criminals and mafias, are facing attacks across the state. This is the result of the police subverting the legal system to suit the interests of political-mafia groups and some top police officers. Incidents of violence also occur in the presence of the police.

Attacking and throwing bombs and explosives at the police is a non-bailable offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Obstructing the duty of a government official can lead to imprisonment for two years under Section 353 of the IPC. Injuring an officer is punishable by three years imprisonment under Section 332 of the IPC. Grievous hurt is punishable by 10 years imprisonment under section 333. These offences also include showing gestures of attack, blocking a vehicle, use of force and obstruction of proceedings.

Brutality towards police

• A policeman was hit on the head with an iron rod when he stopped the conflict at a festival in Kazhakoottam.
• Petrol bomb and axe hurled at police in Kaniyapuram.
• Three ice cream bombs were hurled at a patrol jeep in Kannur.
• ASI of Kasaragod Bekal station was hacked during New Year celebrations.
• Pepper spray attack happened in Kadakkal when ganja sale was caught.
• Railway police attacked in Varkala for catching theft on train
• SI was stabbed with a car key during vehicle inspection in Kannur.
• Aid post at Parippally Govt Medical College attacked, uniform torn.
• Police were attacked and their jeep damaged at Kannur Poduvachery
• KAAPA suspect attacked police at Kadinamkulam station.
• Vizhinjam station police officers were attacked in a group. Ambulance stopped

Solution

1. Honest police officers should be given an opportunity in the field of law and order maintenance.
2. Strong action should be taken against criminals in such a way that people feel that justice is being done.
3. Society should also be ready to respect the rule of law.

"Police becoming people-friendly has been seen as a weakness by a group of people. The problem is that society has not changed but the police have changed. This was not the case ten years ago."

-C.R. Biju

General Secretary, Police Association