Thiruvananthapuram : Lockups are not space to beat people to death; Police have no such power, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Assembly, responding to Notice for Urgent Motion presented in the House Thursday. Tarnur’s custodial death shall be handed over to the CBI and those responsible will face consequences, CM added.
The complaint against District Police Chief too shall be investigated. Eight policemen including Tanur Sub Inspector has been suspended in the incident. The government will wholly cooperate with the investigation.
On 1st of August, five persons were taken into custody by Tanur police in connection with MDMA possession. They were arrested and case registered - Crime no. 855/2023. This case has currently been shifted to Crime Branch with no. now being 856/2023.
The incident such as what happened in Tanur are isolated occurrences. The biggest highlight of our State police is that they don’t function as killer mafia. The news from other parts of the country are not so comforting. Encounter deaths are happening and often at places in several Northern States. Naming of States could prove discomforting to the Opposition. As high as 84 people have been killed in police encounter.
And here, even when people provoke police by attacking cops and dare them to make arrests, the police observe restraint. Even so if there occurs any custodial death or harm, the government makes no compromise. It is question of human life. Police do not possess authority to kill anyone, CM emphasised. Post CM’s reply the Speaker set aside permission for discussion on the motion. The Notice to Urgent motion was moved by N Shamsuddin.
