IPS Assn condemns digital attack against police officers

The Indian Police Service Association of Kerala Friday condemned the verbal and digital attack against certain police officers in the state in connection with the recent Sabarimala incidents.

In a resolution passed at a meeting here, the association said attempt has been made to "vilify" and "intimidate" police officers who carried out their duties during the recent violent protests held against the entry of women of all ages into the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.

Attempts have been made to intimidate through public speeches and social media the police officers carrying out law enforcement duties, an association statement said.

"Statements have been made questioning independence and impartiality of senior police officers by implying their actions are based on their community. Vile and abusive language havebeen used against these officers," it said.

Civil society should condemn such attempts against the officers, it said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had on Thursday cautioned against alleged attempts by some people with vested interests to create "communal divide" in the state police force.

Addressing police personnel at a function here to mark the formation day of state police, he said certain people were trying to attack and isolate efficient officials in the force in the name of religion and caste.

Vijayan was apparently referring to the cyber attack against senior IPS officers, Manoj Abraham and S Sreejith, who had coordinated security arrangements in and around Sabarimala as part of implementing the Supreme Court verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Lord Ayyappa Temple.

According to police, cases have been registered against 13 people who were allegedly involved in the cyber attack against Abraham.

BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan was recently booked for allegedly using abusive language against Abraham while addressing party workers as part of the stir against the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine.