The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed Yatish Chandra G.H., Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Kochi city, to explain his action against Puthuvype protesters at High Court Junction recently.
Considering a petition here on Tuesday, SHRC Acting Chairman P. Mohanadas directed the DCP to appear in person and give an explanation during its sitting on July 17.
The direction followed a request by the DCP, seeking time to give a response to the complaint against him.
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‘Brutal assault’
The petition, filed by Manu C. Mathew, chairman of the Puthuvype protesters, stated that the DCP had brutally assaulted the protesters, including women and children, without any provocation.
A police team led by the DCP on June 16 resorted to lathicharge to disperse 100-odd protesters who were staging a demonstration at High Court Junction. About 20 people suffered injuries in the action, carried out a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city to inaugurate the Kochi metro.
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Though the action drew sharp criticism from different quarters, State Police Chief T.P. Senkumar sought to justify it, citing that the police personnel were forced to take action against protesters as there was a terror threat during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Direction to NHAI
Meanwhile, in a separate order, the SHRC directed the National Highways Authority of India and the NH wing of the Public Works Department to close the entire median gap along the Edappally-Aroor stretch of the National Highway.
Besides, directions with regard to draw zebra lines at bus stops and install adequate traffic lights have been also issued.
The authorities have also been directed to establish a foot overbridge across NH 47 at Chalikkavattom near the Ponnurunni railway overbridge.