An unholy tale of police nexus across border

KOCHI: A scathing letter from the ADGP (Crime) to the DGP regarding an unnecessary arrest and assault on a person named Shaji by the police, has brought to light the unethical link between certain officials of Tamil Nadu police and Kerala police who use the power vested in them for personal gain.According to the letter, the arrest,  which was made in connection with a cheque bounce case, had the police taking undue action after some top-level police officers hatched a plot against the person, to settle personal scores.The confidential report which is in possession of the Express, was written by the ADGP (Crime) to the DGP recommending that a detailed probe should be conducted into the matter so that the involvement of the police officials, including one of DIG rank, could be brought to light. The incident occurred on November 27, 2010, near the National Highway bypass when Circle Inspector Anilkumar of the Temple Theft Investigation Special Team (TTIST), along with five Crime Branch officials, blocked the vehicle in which K P Shaji of Panampilly Nagar and two of his friends were travelling.The officers assaulted them and took away three mobile phones and ATM cards. Later, the officials justified the action saying that it was done to assist Tamil Nadu police as Shaji was involved in a cheque bounce case in Tamil Nadu.Palarivattom police had registered a case against the officials.The letter from the ADGP (Crime) revealed that there was no such case against Shaji. Further, the Tamil Nadu police had not sought any assistance from the Kerala police. The report therefore concludes that the action was initiated due to some ulterior motive.“The incident has brought to light the unholy nexus between certain officials of Tamil Nadu police and Kerala police. Even though there has been an understanding between the police departments of the two states for better co-ordination in crime investigation, a section of policemen from both sides have used this network for personal gain,” a top official said on condition of anonymity.