Kochi: The nightlife of Kochi has become dangerous with several murders and assaults being reported from various parts of the city in the recent past. Not just women, but even men are unsafe in Kochi during the nights, if recent incidents are taken into account.
Several incidents including murders in the past few months are a clear indication that the city has turned out to be a tough place for the poor and the homeless who sleep on the verandahs of shuttered shops.
A cobbler allegedly stabbing a coconut seller to death was the latest incident reported from the city. A lottery vendor was murdered a few months ago and two cobblers were killed in two different incidents in the city a year ago. According to police, all incidents except one or two occurred after the victims walked into trouble by engaging in a brawl or picking up unwarranted fights.
“The problem is not with the lack of patrolling or safety. The murder of the coconut seller was also part of a personal issue between him and the cobbler, who allegedly stabbed him. Most of these incidents occur when the two parties are in an inebriated state. It is not necessary that these things happen only on the streets. It could happen anywhere, even in a house,” said K.G. James, the city police commissioner.
Although the police is not finding fault with their own night patrolling for the incidents in various parts of the city, it is a known fact that public drinking and clashes have increased especially during nights.
“We are taking urgent measures to further step up night patrolling. Consuming alcohol in a public place will not be tolerated and such anti-socials will be taken into custody. We will also make sure that the people sleeping in front of shops are safe,” the commissioner added.
