Law and Order in Kerala in shambles: HC

KOCHI: In a
severe indictment of the CPI (M) -led LDF government ahead
of Lok Sabha polls, Kerala High court yesterday observed that
the law and order situation in the state was in “shambles”.

“Women are afraid of walking even on busy highways,
and police have become a dreaded force whom the common man
shudders to approach for help,” Justice V Ramakumar said
while dismissing bail applications of three accused in a case
of attempt to murder of Rahim Pukkadassery alias KMR Guru,
who is heading a spiritual oragnisation in Kottayam.

“Kannur, the constituency of Kerala Home Minister (Kodiyeri
Balakrishnan) had contributed a handful of hardcore criminals
to execute the operation plotted by the main accused persons,”
the court observed. Some of the accused in the case also hail
from Kannur.

“Many unemployed youths have taken up the job of killing
and maiming people for rewards. Prima facie investigations
revealed that the murder attempt was the handiwork of a terrorist
outfit with which the accused have links,” it said.

According to prosecution, the accused, alleged to be Muslim
fundamentalists, were against the organisation and brutally
attacked Rahim near here on January 10 last year. Thinking
the victim was dead, the accused escaped.

Three other accused in the case were killed in an encounter
in Kashmir few months ago.

Terrorism in the “horrendous” form is showing its
ugly face in various parts of the county, threatening the
country’s stability, Justice Ramkumar said. Cases coming before
the high court point that lethal weapons like swords and country
bombs were increasingly being used against people by those
who manufacture and stock them.

“In an appropriate case, this court will be constrained
to call for details such as investigation so far conducted
to unearth the source of manufacture, supply of deadly weapons
in various parts of the sate and persons or organisation connected
with it,” the judge said.

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