Kerala CM Vows Strict Action Amid Custodial Torture Allegations

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan affirmed that police officers involved in misconduct will face strict punishments. This follows opposition accusations of custodial torture. The opposition urged the CM to relinquish the Home portfolio and demanded the dismissal of officers implicated in a specific incident of brutality against a Youth Congress activist.

In a heated assembly session, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared that police officers guilty of misconduct will face severe consequences. This strong statement came as Congress-led UDF launched an attack on the state government over alleged instances of custodial torture.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan demanded clarity on whether the CM would remove offending officers from service. In the absence of a satisfactory response, opposition members boycotted the remaining proceedings and announced an indefinite 'Satyagraha' by two MLAs.

Vijayan emphasized the government's commitment to reform, highlighting past actions taken against 144 officers, while accusing the UDF of using isolated incidents for political gain. The session underlines the ongoing tension between the ruling front and the opposition over police accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)