Keralam Assembly: Opposition confronts govt over alleged police atrocities, claims ‘dual justice system’

Keralam Assembly: Opposition confronts govt over alleged police atrocities, claims ‘dual justice system’ left Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala The Hindu The Hindu Harikumar J S 10721 Chennithala admits lapses by police in Cheranalloor car crash case. Opposition stages walkout in protest against denial of discussion, suspending House proceedings THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The Opposition on Tuesday stepped up its attack on the ruling front in Keralam over alleged police atrocities and lapses, citing a series of incidents in recent months and accusing the government of allowing a “dual justice system” in the State.

A.C. Moideen, MLA, moved an adjournment motion in the Kerala Legislative Assembly seeking a discussion on what he termed “recurring atrocities by the police force”. He alleged that the police “followed one set of rules for the wealthy and influential and another for ordinary citizens,” citing the fatal Cheranalloor car crash and the alleged police assault cases in Varkala and Chirayinkeezhu along with other recent cases.

Car crash involving Keralam judge’s minor son: ADGP visits police station to probe alleged lapses in case handling Car crash involving Keralam judge’s minor son: ADGP visits police station to probe alleged lapses in case handling Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had directed ADGP P. Vijayan to visit Cheranalloor police station and examine alleged lapses. Minister has admitted in Assembly the police erred in the case Car crash involving Keralam judge’s minor son: ADGP visits police station to probe alleged lapses in case handling storyline 1 In the Cheranalloor case, a 17-year-old boy allegedly driving a luxury car registered in the name of his father, who is a serving judge, rammed a scooter, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan.

Mr. Moideen alleged that the police failed to invoke the appropriate provision for culpable homicide not amounting to murder despite evidence against the accused and hastily produced him before the Juvenile Magistrate, resulting in the accused being granted bail by the court. He also cited the October 11 Nedumbassery crash near the Kochi airport, in which three youths were killed after an allegedly speeding luxury car, driven by a teenager reportedly under the influence of alcohol, rammed a scooter.

The Opposition alleged that the police had failed to act firmly in both cases because of the influence of the accused. Mr. Moideen also referred to the alleged police assault of a 17-year-old restaurant worker in Varkala and the death of Saji, 42, of Perumkuzhi, on October 5 following an alleged assault by police personnel in Chirayinkeezhu. He alleged that the incidents exposed growing police intolerance and raised questions over the government’s claims of ensuring accountability in the force.

Chennithala admits lapses Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, while rejecting the demand for an adjournment discussion, admitted lapses by the police in the Cheranalloor case. He said the police had failed to invoke the provision relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder despite clear evidence, describing it as a serious lapse that led to the accused securing bail after being produced before the Juvenile Magistrate in haste.

Two midnight crashes, four deaths in Ernakulam: MVD, police call for more speed cameras, night patrols Two midnight crashes, four deaths in Ernakulam: MVD, police call for more speed cameras, night patrols Officials say luxury cars driven at over 100 kmph on Ernakulam roads expose gaps in enforcement, from idle patrol vehicles to an underused command centre Two midnight crashes, four deaths in Ernakulam: MVD, police call for more speed cameras, night patrols storyline 1 The State government had pulled up the DGP over the lapses and directed action against the police officials responsible, Mr.

Chennithala said. In the Varkala case, the sub-inspector in charge was transferred soon after the incident, and a departmental inquiry was ordered, he added. The reply, however, failed to satisfy the Opposition, which staged a walkout in protest against the denial of the discussion, suspending the House proceedings. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan said the incidents showed that “the attitude of the police had not changed despite repeated warnings” from the Home Minister.

The Nedumbassery and Cheranalloor cases were clear examples of “double standards of justice” – one for the wealthy and influential and another for the poor, he alleged. “It is a grave situation where the police refuse to take even the Home Minister seriously,” Mr. Vijayan said, questioning why the government had not treated the issue with greater seriousness. He also added that the latest incidents had further eroded public confidence in the police force.

Earlier, a notice given by the BJP legisltor B.B. Gopakumar seeking discussion under Rule 50 was denied by the Speaker after the notice was not in tune with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.