Former Kerala DGP Sreelekha Leads BJP Protest Against Police in Thiruvananthapuram
In a dramatic turn of events, former Director General of Police (DGP) and current BJP councillor R Sreelekha led a vociferous protest outside the Vattiyoorkavu police station in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday night. Sreelekha, who represents the Sasthamangalam ward in the city corporation, spearheaded the agitation alongside Mahila Morcha activists, openly criticizing the police force for alleged partisan behavior and targeting of BJP workers.
Background of the Protest
The protest erupted in the wake of a recent clash between BJP and CPM workers at Nettayam, which resulted in the arrest of several BJP activists. Sreelekha alleged that these individuals faced custodial violence and demanded strict action against the involved police officers. She had previously warned the police commissioner and the state DGP that she would stage a protest if no measures were taken.
While expressing her continued belief in the integrity of the police force, Sreelekha termed the alleged violence as a sign of deterioration during the election period. She accused the police, particularly officers at Vattiyoorkavu, of carrying out one-sided and brutal actions against NDA workers.
Allegations and Accusations
Sreelekha claimed that BJP and Sangh Parivar members were being selectively targeted and subjected to severe assault. According to her, even those who had tried to protect police officers during earlier incidents were now being falsely implicated in cases. She also alleged that a temple in Nettayam was vandalized during police action, with significant damage caused to its premises before arrests were made, describing these actions as barbaric.
Reactions and Context
Sreelekha, the first woman DGP in Kerala, retired from service before entering politics. Her public protest and sloganeering against her former colleagues drew widespread attention. Meanwhile, C R Biju, general secretary of the Police Officers' Association, downplayed the incident. In a social media post, he stated that retired police officers raising slogans against the force should not be taken seriously, adding that such individuals do not deserve to be regarded as former police officers.
The protest unfolded against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Vattiyoorkavu during the election period, further intensifying the ongoing conflict between rival political groups.
