ERNAKULAM: The High Court strongly condemns the police for their handling of the incident where CITU leaders assaulted a bus owner last June.
Following the interruption of a bus trip by CITU leaders, who also placed their union flag on the bus, the bus owner, Raj Mohan, fearing for his livelihood, resorted to selling lottery tickets in front of his bus. Seeking permission to resume regular bus service, which was halted by CITU’s actions, Raj Mohan approached the High Court. Subsequently, the HC ordered the Kamarakam Station House Officer to provide police protection for the bus service, with instructions for the District Police Chief to ensure compliance.
In accordance with the court’s order, on June 25 morning, Raj Mohan removed the CITU union flag from his bus. However, during this act, the CITU leader brutally attacked and assaulted him in front of the police, who were present to protect the bus owner as per the court order.
The High Court strongly criticized the police for their actions, stating that it was not just the bus owner who was beaten but also an affront to the court itself. The incident sends a message to society that the police may not uphold public safety even with a High Court protection order. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s incompetence.
The court has demanded a detailed report on the police’s actions in the incident, including the progress of the investigation. The affidavit must outline how the petitioner was assaulted despite the police protection order, as well as the measures taken by the police to prevent such conflicts on-site. These instructions were directed to the DYSP, who is in charge of the investigation.
Despite the challenges faced, the resilient bus owner bravely stated to the press that he would continue to fight against the injustices perpetrated by the CITU leaders. Encouragingly, the bus service resumed on June 28 morning, bringing much-needed relief to the passengers who heavily rely on this mode of transportation.
Comments