Few cops backed RSS at Sabari: Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has lashed out at a section of police for aiding RSS-sponsored agitation in Sabarimala.

At the meeting of police officers from DGP to DySP level mainly those engaged with law and order held at the Police Training College here on Tuesday, Mr Vijayan said some of the cops had literally gone mad when Manithi Sangham from Tamil Nadu came to pray at Sabarimala.

The Chief Minister who did some plain speaking at the meet referred to the irresponsible attitude of senior officers who shirked crucial duty during the Mandala season at Sabarimala.

Many police officials who were to be entrusted with crucial responsibilities had gone on leave and excused from the Sabarimala duty affecting the maintenance of law and order in the area which witnessed a volatile situation. Clearly this was a major lapse on their part.

It may be recalled that an additional director general of police and two inspector general of police had gone on leave during Chitira Atta Vishesham citing personal reasons.

The Chief Minister said a section of officers had leaked out the information regarding arrival of Manithi Sangham to communal and fundamentalist outfits which were opposing the entry of women in Sabarimala. The agitators who had blocked Manithi Sangham members, were allowed by police to assemble in the area in large numbers.

 Finally the situation went out of control with agitators abusing, chasing and intimidating the women. The vehicle which brought them to Pamba was also attacked.

The women had then alleged that all through their trip the police tried to dissuade them from entering the temple and asked them to return.

The Chief Minister asked the officers to be vigilant against custodial excesses and take steps to check such incidents.

The caution came in the wake of the recent custodial death of Raj Kumar in Nedumkanam which had brought the government under severe attack. Senior police officers including district SP were allegedly directly involved in the case bringing a disrepute to the department.

Mr Vijayan said the circular issued by State Police Chief on the do’s and dont’s should be strictly adhered to by all police officers. He spoke against political interference in the functioning of police and asked the police officer not to succumb to such pressure.