Kerala police officers are constantly in the news for all the wrong reasons. Circle inspector (CI) and Station House Officer (SHO) Sunu PR, attached to Kozhikode coastal police station, has been arrested in a gang rape case. The arrest came in connection with a case registered in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam. Thrikkakara police reached the coastal police station and arrested Sunu on Sunday morning.

Earlier, the victim approached Thrikkakara police and narrated her ordeal. The housewife accused six individuals, including the CI, of raping her in Thrikkakara and Kadavanthara. Based on her revelations, Thrikakkara police conducted a detailed investigation.

Sunu is the third accused in the alleged gang rape case. The victim’s husband is currently in jail. The CI and his accomplices promised to help the lady get her husband released from prison. Later, they blackmailed the lady and told her that her husband would rot in jail forever unless she agreed to their sexual advances.

Thrikkakara police arrived at the Kozhikode police station unannounced and arrested Sunu. It is reported that this was done since more than one accused was involved in the case. They returned to Ernakulam with the rape-accused CI. Details of the other accused remain unknown.

Meanwhile, several complaints have been raised against this police officer. Sunu was arrested in Thrissur after he raped an engineering student, allegedly promising to marry her. The officer was then a Sub-Inspector (SI) and was posted in Thrissur. He was remanded for 14 days in that case. Upon return, he was promoted to a CI and deputed to Kozhikode as an SHO! He has faced departmental disciplinary proceedings eight times and is currently accused in three molestation cases.

Incidentally, Sunu is the SHO of the Beypore coastal police station that lies adjacent to the communally sensitive Marad region of Kozhikode. It is represented in the assembly by Pinarayi Vijayan’s son-in-law Mohammad Riyas. He is married to Vijayan’s daughter Veena, and Riyas is Kerala’s PWD and tourism minister. Vijayan holds the home ministry. If such postings in sensitive areas do not ring the alarm bells in the police department, then we are not sure what will.

Controversially, Kerala police released Sunu after interrogation on Monday, citing ‘lack of evidence’. Police said he was asked to appear for questioning again at 10 am on Tuesday. The accused, whom the city police commissioner himself described as a habitual criminal, has been let off lightly by the police. What effect Sunu’s release might have had on his victims is beyond comparable.

Such cases bring up serious questions about our current legal system. Does it work for the victims or the perpetrators? How safe are the most vulnerable women and children in Bharat? Let us look at the case of helpless minor girls and Kerala police atrocities in self-proclaimed ‘number one’ Kerala.

Atrocities against POCSO victims

Media reports suggested that another police officer from Ambalavayal in Wayanad district may soon be detained for misbehaving with a 16-year-old Hindu SC ‘Dalit’ victim in a POCSO case. Steps are underway to arrest Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) TG Babu, who has been charged under the POCSO act. Based on a preliminary inquiry report, DIG Rahul R Nair had ordered the officer’s suspension. An investigation has been announced against Ambalavyal station SI Sobin and Woman Civil Police Officer (WCPO) Prajusha for their involvement in the case.

The incident in question took place on July 26. Babu misbehaved with the girl victim of the POCSO case when he took her to collect evidence. Sadly, the abuse happened at the same lodge in Ooty, where the minor rape victim was initially sexually assaulted. 

ASI Babu allegedly spoke with sexual overtones to the victim and grabbed her arms. He then took pictures of the minor victim on the mobile phone. The child revealed this during counseling at the government shelter home, where she is currently accommodated. The inquiry report alleged negligence on the part of officials, following which the DIG ordered a thorough investigation.

The Kerala state commission for scheduled castes and tribes has registered a case against the officer. Though a special police squad tried to locate him, Babu absconded, and Kerala police could not find him.

A look at the media cell of the Kerala police gives us a bleak portrait.

Social media posts advising murderers

A social media post from Jeneesh Cherampilly of Aluva West Police Station published on the Janmaitri Police and Fans Facebook page has gone viral. Jeneesh is the designated officer who handles court duties. He pointed out an incident where a vehicle used by killers while being taken to court ran out of petrol and stopped. The officer posted that professional killers should fill their cars with fuel before they venture on assignments! 

His superior officer asked Jeneesh to ferry a car to the court used by killers in a murder case. Reportedly, it ran out of fuel when it reached a major intersection. Jeneesh posted that professional criminals must check whether their vehicle starts quickly, has good mileage, the doors open quickly, and has a full tank of petrol before they embark on their ‘mission.’ 

Citizens pointed out that the police officer encouraged murder, a clear violation of service rules. Though Special Branch officials collected information on the controversial post, the write-up damaged the reputation of the entire police force.

Comments below the post criticized the Kerala police for advising and encouraging wannabe murderers. This was when the controversial post on the Facebook page caught the attention of the Special Branch. Higher-ups assured the public they would initiate further action against the erring officer. In the past, many posts shared by police officers on social media have ignited huge controversies.

Hundreds of officers are aligned with the dreaded Pacha Velicham (Green Light) group and are allegedly not under the control of the Kerala government. Allegations of atrocities by police officers against the general public have become routine. Such activities hurt the morale of honest officers.

Morally corrupt officers have had a free run ever since CM Vijayan took over the reins of the home ministry six and a half years ago. It is feared that by the time the communist regime completes its ten years in office, the Talibanization and criminalization of Kerala police will be complete.

Incidentally, on Saturday, Vijayan declared that the Kerala police is Bharat’s ‘number one’ police force. He claimed that his measures had made the Kerala Police number one in Bharat regarding maintaining law and order, forensic investigation, and detecting cybercrime. He was inaugurating the Kollam Rural Police headquarters at Kottarakara, and several Congress leaders were also on stage. Can anyone provide better education on hypocrisy than the Marxists?