Is CM Vijayan Ignoring Outrage Over Corruption and Torture?
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticizes CM Pinarayi Vijayan's handling of custodial torture.
 - Satheesan highlights the police's role in creating fear rather than serving the public.
 - The Karuvannur bank scam has left many families in financial distress.
 - Political dissent is rising within the ruling party's youth wing.
 - Calls for accountability and reform are intensifying as protests are planned.
 
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 13 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has sharply criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of displaying an “ostrich-like attitude” by overlooking the escalating anger surrounding custodial torture and corruption scandals in Kerala.
“The police force has become an instrument of fear, acting as loyalists to the ruling party instead of serving as guardians of the public,” Satheesan remarked, highlighting a series of incidents that have shaken the state in recent weeks.
He condemned the Chief Minister's silence, who also holds the position of Home Minister, as “unbecoming of a constitutional authority”.
“By disregarding numerous reports of brutality and corruption, Vijayan has diminished public confidence and threatened Kerala’s democratic foundation. The beginning of the end for this government has already commenced,” Satheesan cautioned, pledging to escalate opposition demonstrations both inside and outside the Assembly, which will reconvene on Monday.
He pointed out the outrageous treatment of Kerala Students Union (KSU) members, who were recently brought to court with their heads covered and hands bound.
“Are they terrorists or hardened criminals?” he questioned, labeling the act a disgrace to democracy.
Satheesan’s statements arise amidst unprecedented discontent within the CPI(M)’s youth faction.
“The Thrissur district secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) recently claimed that district leaders have transformed into “a robbery gang,” profiting from dubious transactions and even manipulating police appointments for commissions,” Satheesan stated.
“If district leaders are thieves, then state leaders are looters,” the youth leader asserted, adding to the ruling party's embarrassment.
The ongoing Karuvannur cooperative bank scandal, which has seen depositors losing over Rs 400 crore, continues to plague the government. Families who had saved for surgeries, weddings, and homes are now left impoverished.
Satheesan also noted that the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the scam has been intentionally hindered, while victims continue to wait hopelessly for assistance.
Additionally, the family of another DYFI member has alleged that police falsely implicated him in a case and tortured him to death in custody, further exacerbating the sense of crisis.