Kerala: Kottayam DSP’s batting for ATS in Eerattupetta faces ‘political’ opposition

Leaders of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political arm of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI), reportedly approached Sebastian Kulathunkal MLA and CPM leaders demanding action against Kottayam SP K Karthik IPS. The District Police Chief still sticks to his gun. The MLA belongs to Kerala Congress (M), a constituent of CPM-led ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The State Police Chief (DGP) had sought a detailed report from the SP in light of the State Revenue Department’s request for the release of three acres of land in Poonjar, owned by the police, for constructing a Mini-Civil Station. SP reportedly replied to the DGP last December that the space is needed to store the vehicles seized in connection with the cases, build police quarters, and an anti-terrorist training centre. Karthik also mentioned that terrorist and religious problems exist in Erattupetta.

Consequently, SDPI district treasurer complained to Sebastian Kulathunkal MLA and demanded action against the District SP Karthik. CPM Area Secretary came out against the report too. Therefore, there are unconfirmed reports that SP will have to face government action. Then, the local police is reported to have informed that the region is sensitive. The report also said that majority of the problematic election booths in the district are in Eerattupetta.

Reports suggest that according to NIA’s report Eerattupetta is included in the list of villages and towns in Kerala with the presence of terrorism. As a result, Central Agencies have beefed up their observation and surveillance in such places. It is in the context of the reports that terrorist sleeper cells have heightened their movements in Kerala. Reports suggest that in the recent past, NIA had taken into custody several people including a municipal councillor. It was in a raid carried out as part of the escalated actions against the banned PFI.

Now, both ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UF) oppose this report and have also come out against the SP. Karthik’s stand on the reality of terrorism has invited the wrath of both Fronts.

Congress leader Anto Anthony MP (LS) has echoed LDF MLA’s accusations. He is reported to have claimed that DSP’s report against handing over the land for ATS insulted the people living in Erattupetta. According to reports, he asked the government and the police authorities to release the documental evidence to substantiate the ‘false’ report on terror links. He demanded ‘strict action’ against the Kottayam SP.

Interestingly, the SP’s report does not refer to any religion. There are reports that Islamists demand the Home Ministry to correct some of the sentences in the SP’s report. They think, they are likely to be misinterpreted. If they are not withdrawn, they are for protests.

According to the reports, an all party meeting was held near Eerattupetta Municipal Council premises demanding the withdrawal of the SP’s report. Municipal Chairperson Suhara Abdul Khader (Indian Union Muslim League – IUML, the second largest constituent of the opposition UDF) presided over the meeting. The meeting was reportedly attended by Sebastina Kulathungal MLA, regional leaders of CPM, CPI, IUML and SDPI. The meeting opined that despite having the populations of all religious minorities, the registered cases in Eerattupeta are less in number. There are reports that UDF staged a march in Eerattupetta in this regard.

Eerattupetta has been included in the list of villages and towns with the terrorist presence in Kerala according to the NIA reports. Recently, NIA had carried out a raid as a part of intensifying its actions against PFI leaders. Eerattupetta is considered as a terror hub that has contributed to terrorists, not only in the locality, but also in the country. There were reports of arrests by NIA and ED, from Eerattupetta, few months before. Still, the place is “qualified” as place with ‘few registered cases’. There are reports that protests still take place against Kottayam SP.

BJP has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in the matter. BJP Central Region President N. Hari sent a letter in this regard. Hari has requested for the deployment of central forces wherever it is necessary. Necessary precautions should be taken as SP’s report says. Hari alleged, after the ban imposed on PFI, radical Islamist PFI workers have joined other political parties for continuing their terrorist activities. Hari sought the central government’s intervention against the dangerous situation.

SP Karthik has not publicly responded to the allegations being levelled against him. There are speculations about his imminent transfer. If so, it will not be a surprise as both ruling LDF and opposition UDF are against his stand.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the letter sent by the SP to the DGP has been leaked due to the influence of the pro-radical forces within the police. Media have been reporting about a WhatsApp group called “Pacha Velicham”, meaning ‘green light’ within the force. It should be remembered that Anas. P.K., a police man, was dismissed, last year, for leaking official information about RSS workers to SDPI men. He worked in Karimannur Police Station in Idukki district.