Police action on Jishnu’s parents invites criticism

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI(M)-led LDF government has come under criticism from various quarters for the police action on the parents and relatives of Jishnu Pranoy, an engineering college student who allegedly committed suicide.

The family members were to stage a protest in front of DGP Loknath Behara’s office Wednesday morning demanding the arrest of all those responsible for Jishnus death. As they were walking up to the DGPs office, police prevented them saying it was a restricted area. As they tried to continue the protest, they were forcibly dragged from the site and arrested.

Following the incident, CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan called up DGP Loknath Behara and expressed his displeasure at the developments.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala assembly, Ramesh Chennithala said he was "pained" at the government’s failure to understand the sorrow of a mother, who had lost her only child.

Chennithala, a former home minister, said he was shocked at the arrest of the boy’s relatives, while former Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy termed the police action as "shameful."

BJP leader O Rajagopal was also among those who criticised the police action.

Various youth organisations held a protest in front of the hospital where Mahija was admitted after she suffered injuries in the police action.