Did Kerala Police Cover Up Accident Involving AIGP's Car?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of cover-up in AIGP accident case.
- Initial FIR filed against the injured pedestrian.
- District Crime Branch now handling the investigation.
- Serious questions about police conduct and transparency.
- AIGP Vinod Kumar is a controversial figure in the Kerala Police.
Thiruvalla, Sep 3 (NationPress) The authorities in Thiruvalla, located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, are under fire following significant irregularities in the management of an accident case involving the private vehicle of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) V.G. Vinod Kumar.
Initially, the police filed a case against the injured pedestrian, but they are now set to revise the FIR to identify the actual driver as the accused amid allegations of a cover-up.
The incident transpired on the night of August 30 at Kuttur in Thiruvalla when the AIGP’s private car struck a hotel worker, a Nepalese national named Jeevan, who was walking along the road.
Jeevan sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvalla. In a controversial move, the Thiruvalla police initially registered a case against the injured pedestrian, excluding the police driver who was behind the wheel during the accident.
This manipulation seemingly aimed to protect the AIGP. Once the cover-up was revealed, police began efforts to amend the FIR, with the District Crime Branch stepping in to investigate.
Officials have confirmed that a report will be submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) within two days. Pathanamthitta SP R. Anand, who was on leave during the incident, has shown strong discontent regarding the case's handling and has assigned the investigation to the District Crime Branch.
The situation has raised serious questions among the police force and the public.
Allowing a police driver to operate a senior officer’s private vehicle violates established regulations, investigators noted.
Even more concerning is the attempt to implicate an injured victim to safeguard a senior officer’s interests.
Special Branch officials have also faced scrutiny for their failure to inform the SP about the incident.
With mounting public and departmental pressure, police are now expected to revise the FIR, designating the police driver as the accused in accordance with protocol.
AIGP Vinod Kumar, whose private car was involved in the incident, has long been seen as a controversial figure within the Kerala Police.
The case is now being closely monitored as a measure of accountability within the state police force.