Kerala Police Officer and Sister Face Non-Bailable Charges in Counter-Case After Alleged SFI Assault
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Thiruvananthapuram, a civil police officer who was allegedly assaulted by activists from the Students Federation of India (SFI) has now been booked in a counter-case alongside his sister, facing non-bailable charges. This development comes even as the SFI activists accused of attacking him were charged under comparatively minor, bailable sections.
Details of the Confrontation and Legal Actions
The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at a mall in Thiruvananthapuram, where Mithun Roy, a civil police officer attached to the armed reserve police camp, was allegedly attacked by SFI activists. According to reports, the confrontation stemmed from a prior dispute linked to an incident during New Year celebrations at Shanghumugham, where Roy was accused of assaulting an activist from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
Roy had arrived at the mall with his sister when the clash occurred. Following his complaint, the Vanchiyoor police registered a case against four SFI activists, identified as Revanth, Sajith, and two others. However, the activists subsequently filed their own complaint, alleging that Roy assaulted them and demanded they withdraw a prior complaint submitted to the city police commissioner.
In response, the Pettah police registered a case against Roy and his sister, charging them under non-bailable sections including wrongful restraint, use of abusive language, assault, and attack using a weapon. In contrast, the case against the SFI activists reportedly included only bailable and less severe sections, highlighting a disparity in the legal treatment of the parties involved.
Kerala Police Association Condemns the Attack
The Kerala Police Association (KPA) has strongly condemned the attack on Officer Roy, describing it as a disgrace to democratic and progressive Kerala. In a statement issued on Sunday, KPA General Secretary Sudheer Khan A expressed shock over the incident, where a police officer was allegedly followed and attacked while carrying out official duties.
"Attempts to create anarchy in society must be collectively resisted by the democratic community," Khan stated. The KPA statement further alleged a pattern of intimidation, including marching to the houses of police officers, circulating photographs of officers and their families on social media to insult them, and making derogatory remarks publicly. It expressed concern that such actions were being carried out in the name of a responsible political movement.
The association urged political organizations and civil society to unite in resisting attacks and anti-democratic protests against police officers performing their duties. It also called upon the department and government to conduct a proper investigation into Saturday's incident, take strict action against the guilty, and ensure a sense of security for officers enforcing the law. The KPA reiterated its firm support for police personnel amid these challenges.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Meanwhile, opposition leader V D Satheesan has questioned the handling of cases related to attacks on police personnel, alleging that the home department and government machinery in Kerala are protecting criminals. This criticism adds a political dimension to the incident, raising concerns about law and order in the state.
The case has sparked debates over the safety of police officers and the fairness of legal proceedings in politically charged environments. As investigations continue, the contrasting charges in the two cases—non-bailable for the officer and his sister versus bailable for the activists—have drawn attention to potential biases and the need for impartial justice.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in Kerala, where political activism and law enforcement often intersect, leading to complex legal and social challenges. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar conflicts are addressed in the future, impacting both police morale and public trust in the judicial system.
