Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Alleges Systematic Police Targeting of BJP Workers
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh has made serious allegations of repeated police excesses specifically targeting BJP councillors and party workers in the Vattiyoorkavu area. The mayor announced plans to formally approach the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) to seek stringent action against the local police leadership, whom he accuses of deliberate bias and misconduct.
Demand for Action Against Circle Inspector
Addressing a detailed news conference, Mayor Rajesh demanded immediate and strict disciplinary measures against Vattiyoorkavu Circle Inspector Vipin. He accused the officer of intentionally targeting BJP workers and creating unnecessary unrest in the constituency. Rajesh pointed to a recent clash at Malamukal, noting that while the FIR clearly states that CPM workers pelted stones at police personnel, the enforcement actions have been selectively directed only against BJP members.
Allegations of Physical Assault on Party Workers
The mayor presented specific cases of alleged police brutality. He claimed that BJP worker and temple committee secretary Binu sustained serious facial injuries after being struck with a wireless set by a police officer identified as Deepu Pillai. In another incident, Rajesh alleged that another party worker named Sujith, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, suffered a head injury requiring twelve stitches after being assaulted by Circle Inspector Vipin himself.
Concerns Over Police Handling of Women's Protest
Rajesh raised particularly grave concerns about police conduct during a recent protest march led by women councillors. He alleged that water cannons were deployed using contaminated water, which posed significant infection risks to the protesters. The mayor questioned who authorized such dangerous action. Despite prior notification about the women-led demonstration, Rajesh stated that only a handful of women police personnel were deployed at the scene. He further alleged that male officers physically manhandled the women protesters.
Serious Allegations of Police Misconduct
In what he described as especially disturbing incidents, Mayor Rajesh claimed that during the protest, a police officer named Noufal bit a woman activist, while another officer named Rajesh was involved in a brutal assault on protesters. The mayor demanded immediate and strict action against both officers for their alleged misconduct.
Pattern of Alleged Political Targeting
Rajesh further alleged that since the election campaign period began, there has been a systematic attempt under the leadership of Circle Inspector Vipin to obstruct BJP activities in a completely one-sided manner. He accused the officer of publicly insulting and intimidating a councillor on polling day, with such inappropriate actions continuing even after the elections concluded.
Political and Legal Response Planned
Stating that the BJP would challenge these alleged police excesses through both legal and political channels, Rajesh strongly condemned what he characterized as a 'brutal attack' on women councillors. The news conference was also attended by Deputy Mayor Asha Nath and standing committee chairpersons Sathyavathi V and Manju G S, indicating broad support for these allegations within the local administration.
