The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken a serious view of the alleged delay on the part of the City police in adopting legal action on the basis of a complaint by a Dalit councillor who claimed to have been a victim of caste abuse and assault.
Commission Vice Chairperson L. Murugan on Tuesday visited Valiyasala ward councillor M. Lakshmi, who has been admitted to a private hospital near Attukal after sustaining injuries in a clash that had taken place at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office a few days ago. In her complaint, Ms. Lakshmi accused Mayor V.K. Prasanth and others including councillor I.P. Binu of having assaulted her.
Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Murugan said the commission had taken cognizance of the issue. “The councillor has complained of being targeted along with her family by certain elements ever since she was voted to the council two years ago. She has been subjected to constant mental harassment and torture. Her house and office had been attacked a year ago,” he said.
Complaints raised
He added that Ms. Lakshmi had raised complaints against the Mayor and Mr. Binu who, she alleged, had abused and assaulted her. “She has been prevented from undertaking her work at the Corporation office. She is being treated like a clerk at the office and has submitted several complaints in this regard. However, the police were yet to register a First Information Report (FIR) on the basis of her complaint,” Mr. Murugan said.
The official later summoned high-level officials including District Collector K. Vasuki, SC/ST Department joint secretary B.V.S. Mani, City police Commissioner P. Prakash, and Thiruvananthapuram Corporation secretary L.S. Deepa and enquired about the issue. He has directed the police to initiate action under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, and submit an action taken report within two days.
Cautious stance
Meanwhile, the police have taken a guarded stance on proceeding with the arrests of BJP councillors V.G. Girikumar and R.C. Beena, who have been hospitalised at the same hospital. They are believed to have put off the action until their discharge.
The police have recorded the arrest of BJP worker Anand, who was apprehended a day ago in connection with the alleged attack on Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.K. Prasanth. He was produced at the court and have been remanded to judicial custody.
