Kerala CM assures action against top cop's daughter

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday promised strict action against a top police officer's daughter accused of beating up a junior policeman.

"The government views this incident very seriously and strict action will be taken (on) how a junior police official was treated by the daughter of a senior police officer," Vijayan told the media after meeting Reshma, the wife of victim policeman Gavaskar.

"Instructions have already gone to the police authorities to see that strict action is taken against the culprit. Such an incident should not have happened in the first place but now that it has, all steps will be taken to ensure it's not repeated."

Gavaskar, the official driver to Additional Director General of Police Sudesh Kumar, was hospitalised after the alleged assault.

The incident took place early on Thursday when the wife and daughter of Kumar apparently got angry because Gavaskar came a little late to pick them up after their morning walk. Kumar's daughter Snigdha Kumar started abusing him as she got into the car and then hit him.

Gavaskar approached a police station and a case was registered. Later, Snigdha Kumar also filed a case of harassment.

Reshma expressed confidence in Vijayan's assurances. "My husband was subjected to a lot of mental tension and I have been assured by the Chief Minister that appropriate action will be taken."

From his bed in the Medical College Hospital here, Gavaskar told the media that he has done no wrong.

"I have worked with other senior police officers and there has never been a complaint against me. I have done no wrong and I will prove my innocence in court," he said.

Kerala Police Officers' Association Secretary C.R. Biju told the media: "These things should never ever happen again and we will be fully with Gavaskar, the victim."

The police headquarters asked Deputy Superintendent of Police Pratapan Nair to conduct a detailed probe into the episode and file a report at the earliest.

The senior police officer with whom Gavaskar was attached has not responded to the charges hurled at his daughter.

Meanwhile, the office of Vijayan has asked the police headquarters to send a list of officers who have orderlies and also the number of official vehicles being used by the officers.

--IANS

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