In an alarming instance of police brutality in Kerala, a senior citizen named Ommana was subjected to severe physical assault at the hands of the local law enforcement—the responsible officer, identified as C. I., Manoj Kumar of Palode Station, reportedly led a team of officers into Ommana’s home in the late hours of the night. The intrusion was targeted towards Ommana’s son, Sajeev, who was accused of participating in the Sabarimala protection movement to prevent female activists’ entry into the shrine.
However, the situation escalated dramatically, resulting in Ommana attempting to intervene and protect her ailing husband, Manoharan, a cancer patient. Ignoring the principles of fundamental human rights and law, C. I. Manoj Kumar responded with gratuitous violence towards the 71-year-old. Ommana’s head was forcibly pushed against a wall, and her arm was twisted to the point of breaking. The assault was so severe that Ommana had to be immediately admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for urgent medical attention, particularly for severe internal abdominal injuries.
The incident has sparked considerable outrage and demands for justice, with calls for immediate legal action against the involved police officers for their flagrant disregard for law and human dignity.
Home Invasion and Attack:
In the unsettling quiet of the night, the tranquil home of Mr Manoharan and his wife Ommana was suddenly shattered by the forceful intrusion of local law enforcement—the officers, led by C. I, Manoj Kumar, forcefully entered their home in Palode, Trivandrum. This blatant act of home invasion abruptly evolved into a violent encounter as the police began attacking the aged couple.
Manoharan, already weakened and debilitated by cancer, was subjected to the brutal onslaught. Ommana, in an attempt to protect her husband, was met with physical violence by the police, resulting in severe injuries, including a broken arm and internal abdominal damage. The purported reason behind this egregious invasion and assault was to apprehend their son, Sajeev. He was accused of being a part of the Sabarimala protection movement, which was aimed at preventing female activists from entering the revered shrine. This pretext, however, fails to justify the forceful entry and extreme aggression exhibited by the police.
Traumatic Effects on the Family:
The repercussions of this horrific incident extend far beyond physical injuries. It has left an indelible emotional scar on the family, especially on Ommana and Manoharan’s children, who witnessed the atrocious act firsthand. The psychological trauma experienced by the children is immeasurable, as they were forced to watch their parents endure such brutality in their own homes. The incident has likely instilled a profound fear and mistrust towards law enforcement officials, who are supposed to safeguard civilian lives and uphold justice.
As for Ommana, her medical treatment is ongoing at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, and she is grappling with the aftermath of the assault. She sustained severe injuries to her internal abdomen and endured a broken arm. Her recovery is expected to be long and arduous and is further complicated by the psychological toll of the incident. To add to the hardship, the family must also manage the financial strain of medical bills and legal proceedings in their fight for justice. In the face of such adversity, the family has shown remarkable resilience, their spirit unbroken in their relentless pursuit of justice.
Police’s Alleged Agenda:
Many believe the brutal assault on Ommana and her family is not an isolated incident but a part of a larger, systematic plan orchestrated by the left government. The allegations suggest the government is utilizing the police force to aggressively implement its agenda against devotees associated with the Sabarimala protection movement. This theory is reportedly substantiated by the arrest of over 4,000 devotees participating in the “Namajapa Yathra”, a peaceful protest to preserve traditional religious practices and beliefs.
Critics argue that these arrests, coupled with violent incidents like the one suffered by the elderly couple, reveal a politically motivated strategy to suppress and intimidate those who oppose specific progressive reforms. The police have been accused of acting as instruments of the state, willing to transgress legal boundaries to fulfil the government’s objectives.
These events have led to widespread protests demanding justice and accountability from the police force and the government. The left government’s alleged misuse of police power to further its agenda has been strongly condemned, and calls are growing for a thorough investigation into these incidents to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice for the victims.
Voice for Justice and Political Reactions:
The cries for justice for Ommana and her family have resonated across the country, highlighting the urgency of holding the responsible officers accountable for their reprehensible actions—the public demands for legal action against CI Manoj Kumar and his team are gaining momentum, with the incident serving as a chilling reminder of the unchecked power and impunity that law enforcement can wield.
Prominent political figures, like V.V. Rajesh, have joined in voicing their condemnation of the incident. Rajesh underscored the dire need for an impartial and thorough investigation. He expressed deep concern over the alleged misuse of police power by the left government and demanded that the officers involved face legal consequences.
In conclusion, the heartbreaking plight of Ommana and her family is a stark testament to the urgent need for justice and reform. The incident should not remain just another statistic, fading into oblivion. Instead, it should catalyze significant change in how law enforcement operates, ensuring that the people they are sworn to protect never have to fear them.