Kerala moral policing: No action against moral goons

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The inaction towards suspects in moral policing cases continues to take place in the capital city inspite of a State Police Chief directive. Around 15 days after the police registered cases against over a dozen SFI workers for alleged moral policing in the University campus, no one has been arrested so far. As per the police versions, though they had gone to the houses of the suspects they were absconding. But the victims Suryagayathri and Ashmitha Kabir testify that the suspects are attending classes though they themselves face problems in the campus.

Their friend TS Jigesh was thrashed in the campus for being seen with the girls. Similarly, the range IG is yet to initiate any action against police officials for alleged moral policing in Museum premises. According to Jaljith Thootholi, who had earlier exposed the moral policing by police men at museum, incidents involving police officials are not isolated ones. “My friend and I who went there on February 12 saw policewomen scolding and chasing couples away” he said. Young couples who visit museum says cops get support from a few old man.   

Much like in museum, the inaction of moral policing has often been reported at beaches like Vettucaud, Azhimala and around temples.  Last year, a 40-year-old lady animal lover who went to Vettucaud beach with two of her male colleagues was harassed by local teenagers. The lady had approached Shangumugham police in vain. The youngsters who engaged in moral policing claimed they had full police support in keeping couples away from Vettucaud as there is a shrine nearby.