Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at a meeting held with top police officials in the state to discuss the increasing suicide cases among the police force, said that there should be a friendly atmosphere in the force.
“There should be a healthy relationship between superiors and subordinates in police department,” Chief Minister stated on Facebook after the meeting.
Of late, there have been multiple cases of suicide by police officers in the state. Last month alone, two officers of the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector in Ernakulam district and a woman Civil Police Officer in Pathanamthitta district had killed themselves.
“Friendly atmosphere should be there to combat the increasing mental stress among police officers which paves way for suicidal tendency,” CM said.
He also added that the superior officers should understand the issues faced by the other officers and intervene accordingly.
“There should be a professional atmosphere. If there is a friendly environment and unity, solutions to even personal issues can be found,” he said.
He added there should not be bad behaviour from anyone towards others but also stressed that it is normal for the superior officers to react when there is a failure in carrying out responsibility. “There need not be any compromise on this. District police chiefs and their superior officers should have proper communication,” he said.
Pinarayi also stressed on the point that the persons who join the police force should have a clear idea about their work responsibilities. “They should understand that this is a big responsibility. It will be required for the officers to stay away from their family as part of their work. Superior officers should take care that these issues don’t lead to mental stress.
“If there is an allegation against an officer in the police force, the probe regarding that should not go on and on for too long. It has already been clarified that the government will consider these allegations only if there is something factual in it,” said the Chief Minister.
He also pointed out that the state government should give promotions that officers are worthy of, in a timely manner.
Pinarayi also stated that some forces with vested interests are trying to tarnish the image of Kerala Police which has achievements in many fields. “But there will not be any compromise on those who do wrong,” said the CM.