CCTV footage puts probe into Adoor police station attack in Keralam back on track
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The latest controversy over the alleged attack at the Adoor police station in Keralam has given fresh impetus to the probe, with the police moving to identify those involved and expedite the filing of a chargesheet.
According to officials, the case is likely to see the filing of a chargesheet and the arraignment of accused soon. Fenni Ninan, a Youth Congress leader is among those who is likely to be named as accused, while Sreenadevi Kunjamma, a member of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat accused of trespassing into the police station and confronting a person in the lock-up, may also be arraigned. The police have begun identifying those involved from the available evidence.
The investigation has gained momentum after CCTV footage from the day YouTuber Rajan Joseph was arrested surfaced and triggered a major controversy. The State Police Chief had also sought an explanation from the Pathanamthitta district police chief over the incident, which took place on July 11.
Mr. Joseph had been taken into custody based on a complaint alleging he circulated defamatory videos targeting Ms. Kunjamma on social media. CCTV visuals of the episode captured tense scenes as several Youth Congress workers, led by Mr. Ninan, intercepted the police vehicle, attempted to target Mr. Joseph, and forced their way into the station premises. At one point, Ms. Kunjamma, currently an elected member of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat, is seen directly confronting Mr. Joseph inside the lock-up.
Following the incident, the Adoor police registered a case against 20 people in connection with the assault, in which at least one police officer sustained injuries. However, no further action had been taken on the FIR registered three months ago until the footage came to light.
Meanwhile, police personnel at Adoor station have maintained that there was no lapse on their part in allowing Sreenadevi to enter the station and meet the accused. In their explanation to the District police Chief, the officers on duty said they had allowed her to meet him to defuse the protest outside the station. They also said they had no other option as no woman police personnel were available at the time.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, on his part, too reiterated here on Monday that there had been no lapse on the part of the police. The DGP had sought a report from the SP, and further action would be taken after it was received, he told media persons in the sidelines of an event at Kanjirappally in the morning.
“The case was registered in July itself. The law will take its course. How can the police identify who is involved when there is so much commotion?” he asked, adding that cases had been registered against several people.
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