The spike in frightening violence that has gripped the city of Thiruvananthapuram for the past few days is an unpalatable testimony to the deplorable performance of the police force. We have already pointed out that the police have been quite lethargic since the appeal petition on the Chala riots was decided. They not only do not pay attention to matters related to providing security to the public but also speak disparagingly about the High Court to those who approach them with complaints in the face of unbridled violence. Because of such a scenario, the hooligans not only do not fear anyone but also are emboldened to carry out their plans however nefarious they may be. No examples other than the shocking incidents which took place recently are required to illustrate the dire situation.

The altercation and fist fight on Sankhumukham beach on the day of the Karkkidaka Vavu ritual (offering sacrificial rice to the departed souls), the fist fight and stabbing incident that took place near the general hospital in the evening on the same day, the fist fight at Kunnukuzhy as a sequel to the violent incidents near the general hospital on the same day, and the fist fight, hacking, and stabbing incidents that happened on the road at Punnapuram near Kaithamukku in the past week are violent incidents in daylight, which are capable of breaking the peaceful atmosphere. If the hooligans move freely on roads in broad daylight, carrying deadly weapons with the motive of hacking, stabbing, and breaking the heads of anyone against whom they bear a grudge, the question of providing security to the people at large will always remain under a cloud of suspicion.

 Was there any policeman present at the spot where any one of these incidents took place of late? Have the perpetrators of violence who went on a rampage even as they were being watched by the people been arrested yet? We have got information that the district magistrate was present at the site before the beach riot broke out. We do not know if the official had enforced any measures despite his being apprehensive of troubles breaking out. Was he incapable of inferring the undesirable effects of the riots in spite of his knowledge of the looming unrest, which went on to shatter peace in the area? Have the police taken note of it or done anything to curb violence even after the newspapers reported on the lethargic attitude of the police force, which led to the ruffians running amuck in the city soon after the appeal on Chala riots was decided? If a district magistrate has scant regard for maintenance of law and order, the condition of the hapless people forced to live under such an official will certainly be quite deplorable.

 In this city there are four police inspectors and police stations situated in close proximity to one another. Does any one of them go on proper beat duty within the jurisdiction of his station? Have the inspectors noticed the police constables on beat duty waste time by engaging in empty talk with their friends or doze off in street corners instead of going zestfully on beat, reporting on the movements of trouble makers? Not only the aforementioned incidents of violence, but theft and other antisocial activities reported from trading centres like Vallakkadavu are also happening due to the negligence of the police. If the government turns a blind eye to the laxity of the police who are paid with the people’s money for looking after their security, the condition of the state will be deplorable indeed. We do not think it felicitous for Dewan Mr. Achary that during his administration, hospitals and courts should be flooded with patients and clients. We desire that the state of Travancore should not slip into anarchy owing to the laxity of the police that invariably fail to act impartially on cases registered with them and take appropriate action ensuring exemplary punishment for culprits so as to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the city.