Kerala Police Face Assault Allegations After Temple Festival Incident in Kollam
Two women and a man have come forward with serious allegations against police personnel in Kundara, Kollam, accusing them of physical assault during a temple festival. The incident, which occurred on the night of March 23, gained widespread attention after a video purportedly showing the alleged assault circulated extensively on social media platforms.
Protest and Immediate Police Response
In response to the viral footage, the All India Youth Federation organized a demonstration on Saturday in front of the Kundara police station. Protesters demanded immediate action against the officers involved in the alleged misconduct. The protest was subsequently called off after Kollam rural DSP intervened, placing sub-inspector Kiran S and police officer Atul Vasanth on leave while assuring a thorough probe into the allegations.
The alleged victims have formally submitted a complaint to the DSP, detailing their version of events. According to their account, the incident unfolded near the Kanjiracode Altharamoodu Devi temple, where a video emerged online showing a police officer allegedly manhandling a woman.
Detailed Allegations from the Complainants
The complaint provides specific details about the alleged assault. Ananthu, aged 28, was reportedly taken into custody and beaten by police officers. When his wife Ashwani A, 24, and his sister Geethu, both natives of Peroor, objected to this police action, they were allegedly assaulted with lathis.
The complainants further allege that the assault was carried out under the direct leadership of sub-inspector Kiran S and officer Atul Vasanth. They claim that police officers attacked not only the family members but also bystanders who attempted to intervene during the incident.
Adding to their allegations, the complainants state that a youth who tried to record the incident on his mobile phone had his device snatched and damaged by police personnel. They also report being threatened with further legal action, including warnings that Ananthu would be remanded and additional cases would be filed against him.
All three alleged victims are currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Kollam city, where they are undergoing care for their injuries.
Police Version of Events
Police authorities have presented a different account of the events. According to their statement, the women sustained injuries during a lathicharge on a group that attempted to stop a DJ vehicle. This vehicle, which was brought from Karnataka, was reportedly operating beyond the permitted time during the temple festival.
Police officials state that when they asked the DJ vehicle to halt, the group intervened and tried to prevent the enforcement action. Three DJ vehicles, including the one in question, were subsequently seized by police as part of their enforcement measures.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Cases
In a significant development, police have registered a case against Ananthu and Ashwani for allegedly obstructing police duty and creating public nuisance during the incident. Additionally, authorities confirm that another case is already pending against Ananthu at the Kilikollur police station, though details of that case were not immediately disclosed.
The situation remains tense in Kollam as the investigation proceeds, with community members closely watching how authorities handle these serious allegations against police personnel during what should have been a peaceful temple festival celebration.
