Are Custodial Assault Cases Undermining the Kerala Police's Credibility?
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Synopsis
The Kerala Police is facing severe public backlash due to rising custodial assault allegations, leading to protests statewide. This raises critical questions about accountability and trust in law enforcement. Will the police leadership respond effectively to restore public faith?
Key Takeaways
- Custodial assaults raise serious concerns about police accountability.
- Protests reflect public demand for justice and reform.
- Multiple officers have faced disciplinary actions.
- Victims are advocating for transparency and action.
- Trust in law enforcement is at risk due to these allegations.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (NationPress) The Kerala Police is facing increasing backlash following the emergence of several custodial assault cases, igniting widespread protests and prompting serious concerns about accountability within the law enforcement agency.
On Monday, demonstrations were held by Youth Congress members throughout the state, condemning what they labeled as the inhumane treatment of individuals taken into custody.
The protests gained momentum after shocking visuals surfaced showing Thrissur Congress leader Sujith being violently attacked by a five-member police team in 2023.
As a result, four officers implicated in this incident have been suspended.
In a separate case, Kadavanthra Circle Inspector P.V. Ratheesh received a show-cause notice on Monday regarding the controversial assault at Peechi police station on May 24, 2023.
At the time of the incident, Ratheesh was a Sub-Inspector.
This case pertains to the alleged assault of Lalise Hotel manager K.P. Ouseph and his son, following a false complaint made by a customer.
Ouseph asserted that he was dragged, slapped, and almost attacked with a flask, while his son was detained when he attempted to intervene.
An inquiry led by Additional SP Sashidharan previously found Ratheesh guilty of misconduct, yet the report was ultimately ignored.
The latest notice, issued by South Zone IG Shyamsundar, instructs Ratheesh to provide a response within 15 days.
Officials have indicated that disciplinary actions will follow upon reviewing his explanation, reigniting hope for justice in this protracted case.
Additionally, allegations have surfaced against the Adoor police after Hashim Mohammed, secretary of DYFI Adoor Town, accused them of custodial assault and framing him in a false case dating back to March 2020.
Hashim recounted that both he and his brother were subjected to severe beatings, describing the incident as cruel torture.
Despite lodging multiple complaints, he reports that no action has been taken.
The police, however, refuted the allegations, claiming that Hashim is an accused in several cases.
With numerous cases now capturing public attention, there is increasing pressure on the state police leadership to take decisive action against custodial abuses and to restore public confidence.
Point of View
I believe that addressing custodial violence is crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement. The repeated allegations against the Kerala Police warrant immediate and transparent investigations to ensure accountability and justice for victims, reinforcing the need for systemic reform in policing practices.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent allegations against the Kerala Police?
Recent allegations against the Kerala Police include multiple instances of custodial assault, with specific cases involving violent treatment of individuals taken into custody.
What actions have been taken regarding these allegations?
Some police officers have been suspended, and show-cause notices issued in relation to specific incidents, indicating an ongoing inquiry into their conduct.
How has the public reacted to these incidents?
Public reaction has been one of outrage, leading to widespread protests organized by various political groups condemning the treatment of detainees.
