Synopsis
The incident in Pathanamthitta involved police brutality against a family returning from a wedding, leading to injuries and public outrage. Political leaders have condemned the actions, demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the excessive use of force by the police.Key Takeaways
- Excessive police force against innocent family.
- Incident occurred after a wedding celebration.
- Multiple injuries reported, including a dislocated shoulder.
- Political leaders demand accountability for police actions.
- Protests initiated by local youth groups for justice.
Pathanamthitta, Feb 5 (NationPress) In a disturbing exhibition of excessive force, a contingent of police officers, headed by Sub-Inspector S. Jinu, is accused of attacking a family returning from a wedding celebration. This incident took place late at night when their vehicle halted in Pathanamthitta while they were on their way to Kottayam in Kerala.
Witness accounts reveal that the vehicle had merely stopped to let off a passenger when the police unexpectedly launched an unprovoked assault.
"Several of us had exited the vehicle when, without any warning, a group of baton-wielding officers rushed toward us and began striking everyone at random," shared a woman from the wedding party.
Among those injured is Sithara, a 31-year-old woman, who dislocated her shoulder after falling while being pursued by the police.
"My husband simply inquired why the police were attacking us, and he too was savagely beaten, resulting in a head injury," Sithara recounted from her hospital bed at the local government facility.
After Sithara filed a formal complaint, an FIR was registered against SI Jinu and four other police personnel.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage, with political figures denouncing the police behavior.
Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony characterized the event as "absolute mayhem unleashed by the police," noting that this is merely one of numerous recent instances of police misconduct.
"I have reached out to the Superintendent of Police and demanded stringent action against the culpable officers, who have been operating outside the law," Antony stated.
Raju Abraham, a five-time former CPI(M) legislator and the current CPI(M) district secretary, voiced grave concern regarding the brutality.
"This event, which transpired around 11 p.m., is exceedingly troubling. Innocent individuals, including women, were assaulted. Such conduct damages the reputation of Kerala Police, renowned for its discipline. We anticipate a comprehensive investigation and suitable action," he remarked.
Meanwhile, the special branch of the police initiated a preliminary investigation, uncovering that the local police station had received a call from a bar hotel in Pathanamthitta, reporting a disturbance outside the establishment. In response to this alert, SI Jinu and his team purportedly reacted with disproportionate force, attacking bystanders indiscriminately.
The occurrence has led to local protests, with Youth Congress activists planning a demonstration in Pathanamthitta to seek justice for the affected.
Authorities have committed to a thorough inquiry led by the district SP, with appropriate action to be taken against the implicated officers.
