A tragic and shocking incident unfolded in the small village of Kodagavilla, Neyatinkara, in Trivandrum district, involving Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) B. Harikumar and a local electrician named Sanal. This unfortunate event originated from something as simple as a parking dispute. Harikumar, who had a history of disciplinary issues in the police force, got into a heated argument with Sanal over a parked car. The situation escalated to the point where Harikumar allegedly pushed Sanal in front of an oncoming vehicle, leading to fatal consequences. Adding to the controversy, Harikumar failed to provide immediate assistance or hospitalisation for Sanal. The incident, with its shocking circumstances and the subsequent escape of Harikumar, has sparked widespread outrage and a cry for justice from Sanal’s relatives and the public.
The Incident: The trigger for the tragic event was seemingly trivial—a parked car. On that fateful day, Harikumar parked his car outside his friend’s house in Kodagavilla. Upon his return, he found Sanal, who was driving by, irked by the inconveniently positioned vehicle. A disagreement unfolded, rapidly intensifying due to the fiery back-and-forth between the two parties. The dispute reached its most horrifying peak when Harikumar suddenly pushed Sanal into the path of an oncoming vehicle in a sudden burst of rage. The car, unable to halt in time, struck Sanal, causing grievous injuries. Despite the severity of the situation, Harikumar, shockingly, refrained from calling for medical help or rushing Sanal to a hospital. Instead, he chose to leave the accident scene, demonstrating a disregard for human life that left the local community and Sanal’s family devastated and calling for justice.
The Aftermath: The repercussions of the incident were immediate and severe. Harikumar’s decision not to assist Sanal in the critical moments after the accident sparked a wave of public outrage and backlash, which further intensified due to his subsequent attempt to evade the law. Despite facing murder charges, Harikumar was not promptly arrested, leading to speculations about the police force’s complacency in bringing one of their own to justice. Sanal’s relatives were vocal about their dissatisfaction with the events, claiming that Harikumar had managed to escape due to his connections within the police department. The tragedy in Kodagavilla drew national attention, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency within the law enforcement system, even when the crime involved one of their own.
Police Response: The police responded to the incident with controversy and criticism. Upon learning about the incident, a murder case was promptly filed against B. Harikumar. However, despite the severity of the charges, Harikumar was not immediately taken into custody. This lack of timely action on the part of the police force stirred suspicion among Sanal’s relatives and the general public, who accused the department of sheltering one of their own. Public and media scrutiny pressure pushed law enforcement to intensify their search for Harikumar. The incident served as a harsh critique of the police system and underscored the need for an unbiased and prompt response, irrespective of the accused’s position within the force.
Accusations of Police Complicity: The alleged involvement of the police in assisting B. Harikumar to evade arrest has been a contentious issue. Sanal’s relatives and a section of the public have raised questions about the delayed arrest and have accused the police department of sheltering Harikumar due to his position in the force. The failure to arrest him immediately after the murder charges lent credence to these accusations, fostering a distrust among the public towards the law enforcement system. The incident has prompted calls for an independent investigation to ascertain the extent of any possible conspiracy, emphasising the need for impartiality and accountability in the police force. This incident is a stark reminder that the law should apply equally to everyone, including those tasked with upholding it.
History of Misconduct: B. Harikumar’s service record has been marred by incidents of misconduct in the past, further impugning his reputation in light of the recent tragedy. A notable event in his service history was his suspension as the Circle Inspector (CI) at the Fort Police Station. The disciplinary action was taken due to his negligence in carrying out security duties, which raised doubts about his commitment to his role and obligation to public safety. This incident was not an isolated event but part of a series of episodes that point to a pattern of disregard for rules and regulations. The accumulated record of his misconduct raises serious questions about his suitability to serve in law enforcement. It underscores the urgency of introducing reforms to prevent such individuals from abusing their positions of power.
Conclusion: The incident involving B. Harikumar and Sanal in Kodagavilla was not just a tragic event but a stark reminder of broader systemic issues that need urgent redressal. The seemingly trivial parking dispute escalated to a horrifying level due to Harikumar’s unrestrained anger, culminating in the cruel loss of Sanal’s life. This event has underscored weaknesses in law enforcement agencies’ behaviour, responsibility, and openness. Harikumar’s past disciplinary issues in the force and the alleged complicity of law enforcement in his delayed arrest throw a critical light on the need for rigorous vetting and periodic review of those in positions of power within the police system. The outrage and demand for justice following the incident underscore a critical societal expectation: that law enforcement agencies should uphold the law with the utmost integrity and fairness, regardless of who is involved. The tragedy calls for introspection and reform, providing an opportunity to transform the system and rebuild public trust in law enforcement.