PUCL demands probe into Mavelikkara arrests

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties have asked Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan to order an inquiry into the illegal arrest of seven persons at Mavelikkara.

The following is the text of the letter:

30-12-2012

My Dear Home Minister,

Sub: Request to order an enquiry into the illegal arrest of seven individuals by the Mavelikkara police: regarding

An element of compulsion and dire necessity directs me write you the following.

We are very much disturbed and perturbed to hear the news that seven individuals including two minor girls were illegally taken into custody by the Mavelikkara police on 29-12-2012 from Cherumadom Lodge where they had assembled to discuss some political issues. They include Mr Gopal, a Scientist from Tamil Nadu.

Immediately on receipt of the information that these seven individuals were detained at the police station, as a human right activist, I had made three frantic calls to Ph no 0479-2344342 (Mavelikkara police station). Curiously, on all the three occasions, the personnel at the other end attended the phone but deliberately refused to supply any information in a matter where the human rights of seven individuals were involved. The unwarranted act on the part of the Mavelikkara police is not at all conducive to a police system in a democratic country like ours. I was constrained to take up the matter with the police headquarters and also with Sri V.S. Achuthanandan, the opposition leader.

Now, it is reliably learnt that the five individuals are in judicial custody while the two minor girls are confined at the nearby Balabhavan. They have been booked under different sections of ULPA and Section 120-A of IPC, which is very easy for the police to clamp on them.  It is reported in today’s Hindu: ‘Apart from seizing six mobile phones and a laptop from the detained persons, the police could not come across any documents or other incriminating evidence that could establish any Maoist connection’.

It is quite evident that the Kerala police want to create a bogey that some extremist groups are operating here and under its shade the police can wield more powers, put down all the democratic forms of protest against the anti-people policies of both the Central government and that of the State government. I am reminded of the statement made by former Central Home Secretary Sri Padmanabhaya, that the police force in India which is not professionally equipped is demanding more and more powers under the garb of maintaining law and order.

If individuals who assemble to discuss political issues affecting them and their dear country in a democratic way are taken into custody and harassed, the political leaders who are also the powerful executives of the state discuss and decide to sell out the country to the American Imperialism and the corporate bodies, are also to be booked under the ULPA and Section 120-A of IPC

It is requested that you personally look into the matter, direct a police officer of proven character and integrity to inquire into all that is transacted at the Mavelikkara police station on 29-12-2012, restore democratic way of administration in the state, release all the seven individuals forthwith, book the police officials for their high handedness, show them their ways.

With regards and thanking you,
Sincerely yours,

P.A. POURAN
ADVOCATE