Kerala IPS Association Condemns MLA's Defamatory Remarks Against Police Chief

The Kerala IPS Association has condemned Nilambur MLA P V Anvar's defamatory comments against Malappuram District Police Chief S Sasidharan IPS. The Association is demanding a retraction and public apology, highlighting Anvar's baseless and troubling allegations aired during a public meeting in Malappuram.

The Kerala Chapter of the IPS Association has vociferously condemned the alleged "derogatory, malicious, and defamatory" remarks made by Nilambur MLA P V Anvar against Malappuram District Police Chief S Sasidharan IPS. The Association has urged the MLA to retract his statements and issue a public apology.

The controversy erupted following remarks made by MLA Anvar during a public meeting in Malappuram, where he criticized the police chief for allegedly delaying the arrest of culprits involved in a theft at a water theme park owned by Anvar's family.

The MLA further accused the officer of deliberately arriving late at a function they both attended, which reportedly caused Anvar significant frustration. In its statement, the IPS Association highlighted that Anvar's comments were not only baseless but also highly troubling. "The MLA's public comments are deeply troubling and unwarranted. He has labelled the District Police Chief as a fascist, likening the situation to Bangladesh, suggesting that people may be driven to extreme measures," the statement read.

The IPS Association also pointed out that Anvar made sweeping accusations against IPS officers in general, alleging that many engage in "disgraceful behaviour." The MLA also admitted in public that he attempted to influence the District SP in several official matters, disregarding legal procedures, which the Association condemned as a dangerous trend of lawlessness.

The incident occurred during a district conference of the police association, where both Anvar and the SP were scheduled to speak. Anvar was there to inaugurate the event but was reportedly upset by the SP's late arrival. In his speech, Anvar harshly criticized the police chief, stating that the delay in catching the culprits behind the theft of a 2,500 kg rope from his park was unacceptable. Anvar also expressed frustration over the SP's perceived lack of responsibility, stating, "I saw the SP recovering some SIM cards. Doesn't he have any responsibility? Am I not a public servant?"

In response, SP Sasidharan, who was scheduled to deliver the keynote address, chose to sum up his speech in a single sentence before leaving the stage. "I'm a little busy. I'm not in the mood for a speech. I conclude by offering all my best wishes for this occasion," the officer said. The IPS Association emphasized the need to maintain public trust and legal integrity and called on MLA Anvar to retract his remarks and apologize to the officer involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)