THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The condition of Sub inspector S.K. Satheesh , injured by fleeing bikers during a vehicle checking at Vazhamuttom, worsened on Tuesday,a day after the accident, and he was put on a ventilator. “The officer was taking aspirin after a recent angioplasty. So the internal blood clotting became worse. The aspirin was stopped and we hope that his condition will improve,” a source said.
Satheesh a reserve SI, was on duty with highway patrol when speeding bikers hit the approaching officer. The bikers who fell down, first fled the scene and later got admitted to Medical College Hospital (MCH) where they are still recuperating from injuries. Thiruvallam police has booked a case against the youth for attempted culpable homicide and obstructing official duty.
Risky checking cost dearly
Local residents told media that the rogue behaviour of youngsters and the zeal of policeman to catch them on the spot resulted in the unfortunate incident. Former State Police Chiefs Jacob Punnoose, KS Balasubramain and TP Senkumar had all issued orders during their tenures not to venture into risky vehicle checking. Also video cameras were to be used to avoid untoward encounters like this with motorists.
“Two policemen standing ahead on the road had asked the vehicle to slow down and they did . When they reached closer to the cop they just sped up. So there seems to be no fault with the SI. It has become a trend for youngsters to jump vehicle checking,” said city police commissioner Sparjan Kumar.
The youths who are pursuing undergraduate courses admitted that they were not wearing a helmet but were scared of the policemen. “What is the harm in paying '100 as fine and walking off from vehicle checking? Gone are the times when the police used to beat up motorists for violating traffic norms. So the youth has to calm down,” said Control Room Circle Inspector Niyas who commands highway patrol.
