In a serious case of alleged misconduct, the Kerala State Police Chief has directed a high-level investigation into the actions of a police officer accused of attempting to secure bail for a person charged under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Complaint Triggers Top-Level Police Action
The action was initiated based on a formal complaint submitted to the Chief Minister by advocate Kulathur Jayasingh, a noted High Court lawyer and public activist. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Director General of Police (DGP) has instructed the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief to ensure the probe is conducted by an officer of at least Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank or higher.
In his detailed email to the CM, Jayasingh emphasized that the POCSO Act is designed with strict provisions to prevent crimes against minors. He pointed out that the law explicitly mandates that police officers must not interfere in such cases to protect the accused or maintain any association with them. The lawyer argued that any such intervention fundamentally undermines the spirit and purpose of the law.
Allegations Against the Circle Inspector
The complaint specifically targets B K Sunil Krishna, the Circle Inspector of the Pathanamthitta Cyber Cell. It is alleged that Sunil Krishna tried to facilitate bail for an individual named Sankarankutty. Sankarankutty had been arrested and remanded to custody by the Enath police in connection with a POCSO case.
Jayasingh described the inspector's alleged actions as a grave breach of discipline and a dereliction of duty. He noted in his complaint that the officer only withdrew from the bail process after the incident attracted public attention, suggesting an awareness of the impropriety of his actions.
Demand for a Wider Investigation
Beyond this specific incident, advocate Jayasingh has demanded a thorough investigation into all alleged interventions made by Sunil Krishna at the Enath police station. The demand is to scrutinize his conduct in his official capacity as a Circle Inspector within the Pathanamthitta district to determine if there is a pattern of similar misconduct.
This case has brought the conduct of law enforcement officers in sensitive POCSO cases under intense scrutiny. It highlights the critical need for police to act as impartial enforcers of the law, especially when the victims are children. The ordered probe by a senior officer underscores the seriousness with which the police leadership is treating the allegations.
