The forceful release of the accused from police custody by a group lead by I.C. Balakrishnan, MLA, and Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC) president K.L. Poulose at 11 a.m. on May 22 has created resentment in the force. The accused, including Kalpetta block panchayat president P.K. Anilkumar, were arrested on May 18 on the charge of assaulting an Assistant Engineer attached to the local body. The accused were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including section 332 (injuring a public servant while discharging his official duties). The police were yet to register a case against the MLA or the DCC president.
Only the court had the right to release an accused from custody, sources said. Such actions would destroy the spirit of the force and damage its morale, they said.
