Has the Police Department in Kerala Become a Refuge for Criminals?
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Synopsis
BJP leader V. Muraleedharan criticizes Kerala's police for allegedly harboring criminals under political influence. As protests unfold, the BJP aims to shed light on police brutality and the deteriorating law-and-order situation. With the Assembly session opening, the opposition gears up to confront these pressing issues amidst growing unrest.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala's police accused of aiding criminals.
- Protests led by BJP against police brutality.
- Political patronage alleged to undermine law enforcement.
- Assembly session likely to address police misconduct.
- Public trust in police at risk amidst allegations.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) Former Union Minister and prominent BJP figure V. Muraleedharan has vehemently criticized the Left government in Kerala, claiming that the state’s police department has become a haven for criminals, obediently following the directives of the CPI-M.
While inaugurating a protest march organized by the BJP’s Thiruvananthapuram City District Committee, aimed at the Fort Assistant Commissioner’s office to address police misconduct, Muraleedharan stated that the law-and-order situation in Kerala has disintegrated, asserting that the Home Department has morphed into a sanctuary for offenders enjoying political support.
“The police have transformed into agents of chaos. Those entrusted with the safety of the public are now aligning with wrongdoers. Instead of protecting citizens, they have become embroiled in criminal activities,” he remarked.
Pointing to specific incidents, the senior BJP leader accused the police of facilitating the consumption of alcohol by suspects in the T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case, which he described as evidence of the system's decline.
“The oppressive police practices of the past persist in Kerala today. Aside from a change in uniform, the reforms and progressive measures seen in other states have not reached here,” said Muraleedharan.
He further claimed that the Police Complaints Authority has become ineffective, as complaints lodged there remain unresolved.
“When reports surface of Youth Congress members being attacked, the Opposition Leader is seen dining with the Chief Minister. This indicates the collusion within the political class while the state descends into lawlessness,” he commented.
As part of a statewide movement, protests were conducted in front of all DSP offices across Kerala, spearheaded by senior BJP leaders.
With a new session of the Kerala Assembly commencing here on Monday, the Congress-led Opposition is poised to address the numerous reported instances of police brutality from the past ten days.
Given that the Kerala BJP lacks representation in the 140-member Assembly, the state leadership has opted to take their grievances to the streets, especially with local body elections approaching.
Point of View
The situation in Kerala highlights significant concerns regarding governance and law enforcement. The accusations made by BJP leaders suggest a troubling trend where political patronage may hinder the police's ability to function independently. It is essential for authorities to address these allegations transparently and restore public trust in law enforcement.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against the Kerala police?
The main allegations include claims that the police have become a refuge for criminals, aligning with political interests, and failing to address complaints effectively.
Who is leading the protests against the police in Kerala?
The protests are being led by BJP leaders, particularly V. Muraleedharan, who has been vocal about the perceived decline in law and order.
What specific incidents have raised concerns about police misconduct?
Concerns have been raised regarding police allegedly assisting suspects in criminal cases, such as providing alcohol to those involved in the T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case.
How is the Kerala Assembly responding to the police issues?
The Congress-led Opposition is set to address numerous instances of reported police brutality during the new session of the Kerala Assembly.
What is the BJP's strategy given their lack of representation in the Assembly?
The BJP plans to mobilize public protests to highlight police misconduct and raise awareness about the declining law and order situation in Kerala.
