The Kerala chapter of the IPS association on Wednesday condemned personal attacks on police officers posted at Sabarimala and stated that it would deliberate serious legal action against offenders.
A letter by the Secretary of the Kerala IPS association read, “The IPS Association Kerala Chapter strongly condemns the continued personal attacks and threats made against the IPS officers on duty at Sabarimala by certain individuals and organisations. Coupled to this, the comments purportedly made by the judiciary as seen from the media reports, personally on the officers' background has also been highly demoralizing for the officers engaged in the implementation of the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court under very difficult circumstances and under serious personal threats.”
“We further strongly denounce the attack on officers on religious and personal lines. The IPS Association resolves to act against such slander and to initiate strong legal action against the offenders. We are exploring the possibilities of moving the Hon'ble Supreme Court in this regard. The government should also explore the possibility of moving the apex court and we urge the Hon'bie Chief Minister to intervene in the matter to keep up the morale of the officers and the Police department to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and effectively,” the letter added.
Several personal and religious remarks at the IPS officers in attempts to polarise the police forces were made by right-wing groups in the state. WhatsApp forwards valorising IG Sreejith who had been in charge of security at Sabarimala and attacking Thiruvananthapuram range IG Manoj Abraham over religious differences did the rounds after the temple was opened in October post the SC verdict.
With the temple reopening for the 4th time after the September 28 verdict in November, IPS officer Yatish Chandra has also been facing flak from right-wing groups for preventing right wing leader and Hindu Aikya Vedi President KP Sasikala and BJP leader K Surendran from visiting the temple. A state-wide protest was organised following Sasikala’s and Surendran’s arrest.