Kerala CM Responds to MLA Anwar's Allegations on Police Misconduct

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured action on MLA PV Anwar's allegations concerning Kerala police officers. He urged internal handling of such complaints and revealed an ongoing investigation into police misconduct related to gold smuggling. Specific allegations involve misappropriation and bribe accusations.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Saturday that his government would address MLA PV Anwar's allegations against Kerala police officers. Vijayan criticized Anwar for discussing the matter publicly instead of bringing it to the party first. He emphasized the standard procedure of examining complaints thoroughly before action.

Vijayan reiterated that complaints should be raised within the party first. He noted that an elite investigation team, led by the state police chief, was formed to investigate the matter, and a probe is currently underway. The Chief Minister confirmed that SP Sujith Das was suspended pending an investigation following allegations of police misconduct in a gold smuggling case.

Highlighting the need for an honest police force, Vijayan shared seizure data: in 2022, 79.9 kg of gold was intercepted in 98 cases, while 18.1 kg was seized in 26 cases this year. He mentioned significant gains in intercepting hawala money and indicated that stringent measures to combat gold smuggling would continue.

Anwar's complaint to DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb prompted an internal investigation, uncovering allegations including the misappropriation of trees and bribery. The DGP stressed the need for a vigilance inquiry into these serious issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)