Thiruvananthapuram, 03 April (H.S.):Alleging a serious decline in women’s safety in Kerala, BJP candidate from Vattiyoorkavu and former DGP R Sreelekha on Friday launched a sharp attack on the state government, accusing it of turning a blind eye to grave crimes, including what she described as “love jihad.”
Addressing reporters, Sreelekha said the lack of decisive action by the government has created an environment where crimes against women are not only rising but are also being normalised. “Even when heinous crimes like ‘love jihad’ are taking place, the government chooses to remain silent. That is why women in Kerala do not feel safe anymore,” she said.
Backing her claims with data, the former police chief alleged that crimes against women have increased fivefold between 2021 and 2026. She argued that this surge reflects a broader societal mindset where offenders believe they can act without facing consequences. “There is a growing perception that committing crimes against women carries little risk. This is extremely dangerous for society,” she noted.
Sreelekha also made personal allegations, stating that even during her tenure as a senior police officer, she faced difficult situations without institutional support. “When I had a distressing experience, even the DGP did not stand by me. Without political clearance, even top police officials are unable to act independently,” she claimed, pointing to what she described as deep political interference in policing.
Criticising the ideological stance of the ruling dispensation, she further alleged that the current leadership lacks sensitivity towards women’s issues. “This is a government that neither values faith nor prioritises the safety of women. Crimes against women are not given the seriousness they deserve,” she said.
Highlighting a recent incident, Sreelekha claimed that even the wife of a minister was unable to receive police assistance despite calling the emergency helpline 112. “No action was taken because the opposing side had political influence. This shows that political considerations override justice in Kerala,” she alleged.
Concluding her remarks, Sreelekha said that political control over the police force has eroded public trust and left women vulnerable. “In today’s Kerala, politics matters more than justice. That is the root cause of the insecurity women face,” she added.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
