Kochi: State police chief T.P. Senkumar has asked the police officials not to subject the public to breathalyzer test by asking whether they have consumed liquor. Police officials have been booking cases even against the public who are not driving vehicles. They also book persons who are standing next to parked vehicles under drunken driving and allied offences. Commuters stuck in traffic block or at traffic signals also undergo checks.
“I have received a lot of complaints from the public alleging police harassment. Many complained that they are teetotallers but police are questioning them illegally,” said Mr Senkumar in a circular.
He added that he had instructed the department not to book gentlemen and be cautious while dealing with registering crimes. He asked the police to be cautious while registering cases under Abkari Act and apply their minds before registering a case. He warned that any complaints alleging mental harassment to the public by an official will be dealt with seriously warranting departmental action.
The circular issued on March 11 said action will be taken against the erring officials even without conducting an internal inquiry. The circular asked all the district police chiefs to monitor the daily case lists and ensure that police officials are not booking unnecessary cases.
