'Mind you, You are in Kerala' Pinarayi warns police brass

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conveyed a strong warning to the top brass of the state police against practicing vassalage in the force.

"IPS officers hailing from other states should remember that they are working Kerala. Here police have a different culture from that of North India," Pinarayi told in a meeting of emergency meeting attended by high-level officials of the force, apparently hinting at the more egalitarian ethos of Kerala.

"The controversies on the orderly issue were unfortunate. It has tarnished the image of the government. Kerala has high democratic values and the police should live up to that standard. The camp followers should be treated equally with the police personnel. It is learnt that vassalage system was entertained in the name of some working arrangements. So those working arrangements should not be extended anymore," Pinarayi said.

"The government does not want to control you with rigid measures. But you should ensure that you are working according to the rules. Otherwise, we will be compelled to bring strict action."

"The custodial death in Varappuzha happened just after my appeal given via video conferencing few months ago. The government's image was tarnished by actions of a few people among the force in the sexual abuse at theatre case and Kevin's murder."

"SPs should visit stations to assess the situation. I personally know a few of SPs who come to office in T-shirts at 11 am. We will not entertain such habits anymore," Chief Minister warned.