In Thiruvananthapuram : the police, once feared by criminals and mafias, are now under attack in various parts of the state. This is a consequence of the police manipulating the legal system to benefit political-mafia factions and certain senior police officials. Instances of violence are occurring even in the presence of law enforcement. Assaulting police officers and using bombs or explosives against them are serious offenses that can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment without bail.
Under Section 353 of the IPC, obstructing a government official's duties can lead to a two-year jail term. Injuring an officer is punishable by three years in prison according to Section 332 of the IPC, while causing grievous harm can result in a 10-year sentence under Section 333. These offenses encompass making threatening gestures, impeding vehicle movement, using force, and disrupting legal proceedings.
Recent brutal acts against the police include an officer being struck on the head with an iron rod in Kazhakoottam, and incidents where petrol bombs, axes, and ice cream bombs were thrown at law enforcement in various locations. The attacks range from hacking to stabbing, and even attacking police stations and ambulances. To address this escalating issue, it is imperative to provide honest police officers with opportunities for effective law enforcement.
Strong measures must be taken against criminals to ensure that justice is served, and society as a whole should uphold the rule of law. The shift towards a more people-friendly approach by the police has been perceived as a vulnerability by certain groups. The challenge lies in the fact that while the police have evolved, society's attitudes have remained stagnant, highlighting a significant shift compared to a decade ago.