Thiruvananthapuram , 01 June (H.S.):

A driver attached to Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has lodged a complaint with the Kerala State Police Chief, alleging that he was assaulted by police personnel at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station premises last week.

The complainant, Anoop P.K., an employee of the CPI(M)-run AKG Centre and a driver assigned to Pinarayi Vijayan, claimed that the incident occurred on May 30 at around 4 p.m. when he had accompanied the Opposition leader to the railway station.

According to the complaint, Pinarayi Vijayan had arrived at the station to board the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express. After dropping him at the station entrance, Anoop attempted to move the vehicle to a designated parking area.

It was during this time that two police personnel allegedly confronted him. In his complaint, Anoop accused the officers, identified as Sharath and Jayan, of behaving aggressively and verbally abusing him while ordering him to move the vehicle immediately.

He alleged that the officers shouted at him and attempted to physically intimidate him. The complaint further states that one of the policemen grabbed him by the neck and pushed him, causing both physical discomfort and mental distress.

Anoop claimed that he was subjected to humiliation despite cooperating with security arrangements and attempting to move the vehicle as directed. He said the incident left him shaken and caused considerable emotional strain.

The complaint has been submitted to the State Police Chief, seeking a detailed inquiry into the incident and appropriate action against the officers concerned. Anoop has urged the police department to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure accountability if the allegations are found to be true.

The alleged incident comes amid heightened security arrangements often put in place during the movement of senior political leaders through public transport hubs. However, the complaint has raised questions regarding the conduct of personnel deployed on duty and the treatment of civilians and support staff during security operations.

There was no immediate response from the police authorities regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman