Southern Police

(Staff reporter)

There is an Assistant Superintendent, namely Hughwarf, for the Southern Division and Thiruvananthapuram. Besides having previously served as a police inspector for a considerable period, it is evident that he possesses other qualifications too. Nevertheless, the administration here operates in a manner reminiscent of a castor oil purgative*. It is regrettable that he lacks the necessary skills to identify faults among the subordinate inspectors and officers, as well as to provide them with adequate training and guidance. The Head Superintendent's assessment of the administration here should not be underestimated. During his last inspection tour, when he arrived at the parade ground, there were no policemen present there. Upon inquiry, he was informed that the Assistant Superintendent had ordered that parades were not required on Thursdays and Saturdays. Exclaiming how absurd this was, he proceeded to inspect the local police station. One notable quality of this officer is his insistence on maintaining a clean station facade adorned with flowers and arches, regardless of the actions of the policemen. He emphasises the importance of clean uniforms, tidy record books, and neatly arranged rooms and belongings. Any lapses in these areas have frequently angered the officer. After noting his concerns in the visiting book, the Head Superintendent departed. Following this, the Assistant Superintendent began his inspection tour. The subordinates in the office were fined 7 or 4 Chuckrams* each for absenteeism from the parade. However, when this reached the head office, it was returned with the remark that the fine was deemed 'unnecessary'. Despite the ongoing thefts and riots in this area, office personnel have been tasked with conducting office work during the day and participating in night patrols. If this arrangement is proving inefficient, why not consider making a change and appointing a temporary replacement? Since he joined as an inspector, he has been stationed here, and due to his mismanagement, considerable harm has been caused to the locals. How many thefts have gone undetected as a result? It is rumoured that a constable has stolen a box and several belongings from another constable who was transferred from Devikulam. However, the inspector did not conduct any inquiry or take action on the matter. Instead, another officer from a neighbouring police station resolved the case. Surprisingly, neither the officer who investigated nor the inspector who was informed about the incident took any action; both remained silent.

It is known that certain actions will be handled by a lawyer chosen by the superintendent to prevent the case from escalating to the head office and instead be resolved at the assistant office level. As a result, the station's condition, as indicated by the Head Superintendent, remains unsatisfactory. Often, when police receive a theft complaint in this state, they may unofficially assign the case to friendly constables without recording it in the register. These constables then visit the location and indiscriminately arrest and defame anyone they encounter. Ultimately, as the saying goes, 'a sin in one place, a blame in another,' some unfortunate individual ends up being made the scapegoat or the case is dismissed altogether. The process of obtaining the money through petition hearings will take ten to fifteen days. Meanwhile, the person who committed the theft may escape with the stolen property. In such a scenario, how can one gather evidence? When Superintendents conduct inspection visits, they should privately inquire about the number of cases that are pending in the afore-mentioned state without being entered in the registers. Adequate punishments should be given to such errant officers. Currently, many individuals have entrusted their hard-earned money to these officers under duress, only to receive beatings and insults in return.

The harvesting cases on Eatham Road, the incident where a Sait poisoned a woman, and the related abuses, as well as the police violence in Kanakamoola market, can be reported in detail next time.

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Translator’s note:

*Castor oil purgative: When something is described as operating "in a manner reminiscent of a castor oil purgative," it implies that the process is unpleasant, harsh, and forceful, potentially causing discomfort and distress to those subjected to it.

*Chuckram: a coin which was in use in Travancore.