Jishnu Pranoy death case: CPM in damage control mode after police fiasco

Thiruvananthapuram: Police highhandedness against Jishnu Pranoy’s mother Mahija comes close on the heels of CPM state committee calling for reining in reckless cops bringing a bad name for the government. With the news channels broadcasting live the manner in which Mahija was treated, serious questions were raised about the way home department is run.

However, what was appalling was the manner in which Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan sought to justify police action citing the presence of external elements in the protest. Young leaders like A.N. Shamsheer MLA further embarrassed the party by saying Jishnu’s family was being misled by Left extremists and the police reaction was natural.

CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said the police could not turn a blind eye to the pain and agony of a mother who has lost her child. Addressing his post to state police chief in a FB post, Mr Kanam wrote; “I would like to introduce you to one of your predecessors Venk-atachalam. Once Oppo-sition leaders took out a march to his official residence which was blocked by police. He put up a shed, arranged chairs, drinking water and newspapers for protesters. That didn’t break confidence of police. It only enhanced their prestige,” he said.

CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Wednesday said the police action will be examined. He said his party and government was capable of rectifying mistakes if any.