Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a high level meeting conducted by senior police officers of the state on Tuesday, lashed out at the officials for leaking information to protesting groups during the controversy over Sabarimala women’s entry.
The chief minister pulled up the cops by pointing out that police lacked planning or preparedness when Manithi group came to visit the temple, says a report by Mathrubhumi.
He also said that police allowed the protesters to assemble together when Manithi group was coming to visit the temple.
Due to the unpreparedness, the situation at Sabarimala went awry, the chief minister is reported to have told the officers during the meeting held at the state capital.
According to multiple reports, Chief Minister also criticised the police officers saying that a section of them aided the protesting groups with vested interests by leaking the information.
Reports state that Pinarayi Vijayan came down heavily on those police officers who bunked their duties during the Sabarimala crisis.
Many who were given critical responsibilities went on leave or excused themselves to avoid duty at Sabarimala during the last pilgrimage season and this took a toll on the peaceful environment at Sabarimala during the crisis, Pinarayi said.
The meeting was called in the wake of recent incidents which have put the police on the defensive.
Pinarayi Vijayan is also reported to have criticised the police regarding the Nedumkandam custodial death. The incident had tarnished the image of the police and the government. As per reports, the CM is said to have instructed the police to completely avoid custodial torture.
The CM also said that police should improve their relationship with the public. He said that senior police officials should keep a close watch on the functioning of police stations and also cautioned that one small incident could completely damage the image of the whole department.