THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the Assembly that strict action will be taken if police officers commit mistakes. He said one incident cannot be used to paint the entire police force in a bad light. Action, including dismissal, will be taken depending on the seriousness of the offence. The majority of police personnel, he said, have a good attitude, though wrongdoings in society can sometimes be reflected in the force too.

The CM was replying to an adjournment motion moved by Roji M. John, demanding a discussion on the Kunnamkulam custodial torture case. "Some are still stuck in the hangover of the past. The government will not protect erring police officers," he said.

Pinarayi also criticised the opposition, saying that during the UDF’s rule, the police acted as a shield for goons. "Congress had always protected the guilty. Today, the police are moving forward with better discipline, winning many recognitions, and the number of complaints to the Police Complaints Authority is declining. This is proof that there is no situation in the state that would give rise to complaints," he said.

Shocking visuals: V.D. Satheesan

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan demanded clarity on whether the police officers involved in custodial torture would actually be dismissed. He cited incidents such as the assault of a CPM local secretary, the humiliation of a Dalit woman, and torture cases where visuals came out only through the Right to Information Act. “The police are afraid of party members. We don't want long speeches from the Chief Minister, we want actions," Satheesan said.

If you stop me, we won't allow CM to speak

During the heated debate, when ruling party members interrupted his speech, Satheesan warned that if he was stopped, then the Chief Minister would also not be allowed to speak. The Speaker had to intervene to restore order.

144 policemen dismissed in nine years

The Chief Minister revealed that in the past nine years, 144 policemen have been dismissed as part of disciplinary action. From May 2016 to June 2024, 108 were dismissed, and from October 2024 to this month, another 36 were removed. He questioned whether such action has been taken anywhere else in the country, and whether the UDF had ever dismissed anyone during its rule.