Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday came down heavily on State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairman P. Mohandas, accusing him of overstepping his mandate and making politically motivated statements.
Briefing the media after a Cabinet meeting, Mr. Vijayan said the chairman’s statement demanding a CBI inquiry into the custodial death of Sreejith at Varappuzha was immature and reflected his political bias.
“The commission should refrain from taking a political stand and confine itself to addressing human rights issues,” the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Mohandas had expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing investigation into the custodial death and had demanded a CBI inquiry. He had also criticised the transfer of District Police Chief, Ernakulam Rural, A.V. George to the Police Academy, Thrissur.
Terming the custodial death as unfortunate, Mr. Vijayan said the government did not approve of third degree methods by the police. “The policemen found involved in the incident have been arrested and remanded. No one will be spared. The government will not protect the guilty.”
Probe on track
Mr. Vijayan said the special investigation team headed by Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, S. Sreejith, had been set up within three days of the custodial death and the team had been given a free hand. The investigation was on the right track, he added.
“Police officers are expected to behave well but some of them find it difficult to change old ways. The government will use a strong hand to deal with such people,” he said.
