Southern States - Kerala   

Crime rate high due to liberal filing of cases, says DGP

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM FEB. 8. The time-honoured policy of `liberal registration' of cases pursued by the State police is the reason why the crime rate in Kerala is statistically high when compared to other regions in the country, according to the Director General of Police, K.J. Joseph.

Speaking to newspersons at the police headquarters here on Friday, Mr. Joseph said the State police had registered FIRs in even complaints of a minor nature. The registration of traffic cases in the State was also very high.

``Statistically, dacoity is high in Kerala. But we know that no such instance has been reported in the State in recent times. Hence, there is a marked discrepancy between crime figures and the actual law and order situation on the ground. The department is analysing the crime figures of 2002 for a detailed study,'' he said.

The DGP refuted the charge that a different yardstick was being applied when it came to taking action against high-ranking police officials who had been accused of corruption. He was replying to a question on the follow-up action on the Vigilance surprise check at the Rural SP's office in January.

The DGP said two constables had been suspended after being found prima facie guilty. A probe was on as per Vigilance procedure to determine if any senior officer had a role in the matter. The Government was awaiting the report of the Vigilance in this matter, he said.

Mr. Joseph defended his decision to move the High Court against the Secretariat siege organised by the CITU. However, moving the court would not be the stock response of the police to all forms of agitations. The police response would be calibrated only after analysing each situation and after studying the possible impact on public life and law and order, he said.

The DGP said the people-friendliness of police stations had nothing do with rifle sentries or receptionists. On the other hand, it depended on the stations functioning in a disciplined and effective manner.

The DGP denied that the police had published a list of names of lawyers in Kochi who had alleged criminal links. "The police have information on a lot of persons and issues. These are matters for internal circulation and never for publication,'' he said.

Asked why he was being criticised for his actions by members in the ruling as well as the Opposition parties, Mr. Joseph replied: "you should know better. I am the DGP. Propriety demands that I make no comment on the ruling or Opposition parties.''

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