Opp hits out at LDF Govt over 'police atrocities'

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Congress-led UDF on Monday staged a walkout in the Kerala Assembly, alleging "atrocities" and "high handedness" by police and the breakdown of law and order in the state.

Pointing out a series of recent incidents of police 'harassment' in the name of traffic regulations and strict enforcement of helmet rule in various places, the opposition members said the CPI(M) led LDF government had 'lost control' over the police force.

As many as five lock-up murder cases had been reported in the state after the Left government came into power in 2016 and the atrocities against women and children were increasing, they alleged.

Even the accused in murder cases like that of Youth Congress activist Shuhaib in Kannur were getting "VIP treatment" in the state jails, they alleged.

However, Law Minister A K Balan, who replied on behalf of the Chief Minister, said the government had taken

stringent actions against the erring police personnel as soon as the complaints were received.

"The efficiency of Kerala police has been recognised by various agencies. But there were isolated incidents in which some police personnel acted against the spirit of the government," he said.