Thiruvananthapuram: Retired IPS officer-turned-BJP leader R Sreelekha has defended her controversial slogan against police, saying she used similar language even during her service against erring officers.
Sreelekha's Defense
Responding to criticism over raising the slogan demeaning police the other day, Sreelekha said that while in service, she often confronted police personnel directly using the same words when they were involved in serious misconduct. She said several officers guilty of grave lapses and corruption were suspended, dismissed from service, or booked in criminal cases during her tenure, and many were later convicted. She pointed out that at the time, neither political leaders nor police association representatives objected to her approach.
"Now, after retirement, when I called out a person who committed a wrongdoing, why is it being seen as an issue?" she asked. Sreelekha also welcomed the action taken against the Vattiyoorkavu SHO, stating that directing the officer to go on leave was appropriate. She expressed gratitude to the state police chief and the city police commissioner for the action.
Political Reactions
Controversy erupted after Sreelekha raised the slogan against police, drawing criticism from police associations as well as political leaders, including CPM leader P K Sreemathi. Meanwhile, general education and labour minister V Sivankutty strongly criticised the conduct of former DGPs, including Sreelekha and T P Senkumar. He questioned whether such remarks reflected their conduct during service as well.
He also alleged that Sreelekha, in her capacity as a councillor, sent a WhatsApp message to the city police commissioner in a threatening tone and later shared its screenshot on Facebook. The minister asked what authority former officers have to act in such a manner and said it was inappropriate for retired officers to continue using their official designations after entering active politics. He noted that the Election Commission has clarified that IPS titles should not be used alongside names during elections.
Further Allegations
Sivankutty further said that key decisions taken by the two former DGPs during their service should be examined. He alleged that BJP contributed to creating a situation where individuals who were once accorded protocol respect were now making such remarks, adding that the party would face consequences in the future.
