Those Meant to Uphold Law and Order Are Turning Into Killers, Says Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan said the state is witnessing the brutality of police personnel turning into killers under the UDF government. He was responding to the death of a youth named Saji in Chirayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, after he was brutally assaulted by police personnel.

Saji's death has shocked the conscience of the people, he said. Five police personnel beat Saji for the sole 'crime' of questioning the cruelty inflicted by police on another person. He eventually succumbed to his injuries after vomiting blood. Pinarayi Vijayan said Saji's wife Vijitha's tearful question, "Does the police have the authority to beat someone to death?" has deeply affected the people.

The Home Department under the UDF government is providing support to police personnel like criminals, he said. The recent incidents of police atrocities and threats against ordinary people and those raising their voices in protest are not isolated incidents but a reflection of the government's policy, he stated.

He said it was extremely shameful that the ruling party leadership was attempting to suppress the incident despite such a brutal killing. An attempt was allegedly made to meet the family, led by a minister's husband, and offer inducements and negotiate with them to withdraw the complaint. This, he said, exposes the government's lack of humanity. Those responsible for ensuring justice are denying justice, Pinarayi said.

He also criticised the indifference of the elected representative who had failed to visit or support the poor family despite such a major tragedy occurring in his own constituency, calling it a challenge to the people.

He demanded that murder cases be registered against all police personnel who were involved in the brutality and that they be arrested immediately. He also called for a comprehensive investigation into the political interventions made to suppress the incident.

No one should assume that the killing can be covered up under the protection of the government, Pinarayi Vijayan said. He added that people would continue with a strong agitation until Saji's family receives justice and the police personnel responsible are brought before the law.