The police have stepped up security in Nadapuram and its adjoining areas in the wake of the acquittal of 17 accused in the murder of Democratic Youth Federation of India activist C.K. Shibin by the Special Additional Sessions Court (Marad cases) on Wednesday.
Following an intelligence input, the police have also given protection to houses of the prime accused at Thooneri and Vellur. “The situation is volatile but under control. The unexpected verdict has put us in a tight spot. Discussions have been held with the leaders of all political parties. Some isolated incidents can be anticipated. But we will ensure no rioting takes place,” an officer said.
Shibin murder
Nineteen-year-old Shibin was killed by an armed gang allegedly owing allegiance to the Indian Union Muslim League at Vellur, near Thooneri, around 10 p.m. on January 22, 2015, according to the prosecution. The accused were exonerated from all charges as the prosecution had failed to establish a case beyond reasonable doubt.
Already police pickets have been installed at 16 places including Nadapuram and Kallachi towns, Thooneri Anganwadi, Purameri Thannerpandal, Cheruvattayi temple, Chalapram, Nirani mosque and Vettummal road.
This apart, four mobile units would coordinate with the Nadapuram police control room. Night patrol has been intensified, the police said. Squads would check vehicles at the district borders at Kayalottuthazha, mundathodu, Chettakkandi and Peringalathur.
If required, the high-tech vehicle, Vajra-207, designed to quell frenzied mobs during riots would be pressed into action. Senior police officers have visited the region to take stock of the situation.
Police revamp sought
Meanwhile, the Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF) of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has demanded that the State government revamp the police force in Nadapuram. The organisation alleged that the police, which appeared to be communalised, had always taken steps that fuelled violence in Nadapuram. SKSSF president Syed Hameed Ali Shihab Thangal called for the representation of all religions in the police force.
However, the CPI(M) district secretariat has expressed shock over the acquittal of the accused who had been out on bail with stringent conditions during the trial. The party would fight politically and legally till Shibin got justice, they said.
