Kochi: Whenever a custodial death takes place in Kerala, there is a clamour for reforms in police force. However, no serious decision has been taken by successive governments for ensuring that the police force is more reformed and civilised or such initiatives just remain on paper or get lost midway.
The concept of a central custodial facility (CCF), proposed in 2005 and initiated in 2010, is one such example of a failed move. CCF, known as central lock-up among police, was proposed by the State Police Reforms Commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice K T Thomas.
Apparently a first in the country, a central lock-up was opened in Manarcaud police station in Kottayam district in December 2010 by the then home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. The facility, hailed as a step towards bringing an end to custodial crimes, has been dysfunctional for months, according to police sources. The one that was to be set up at Poojappura station in Thiruvananthapuram in 2011 has not been opened yet. Speaking to Onmanorama, a top police officer in the capital district admitted that the project is unlikely to be implemented now with it being in a limbo for years.
Justice (retired) K T Thomas, who was also present during the inauguration of the facility at Manarcaud, told Onmanorama that he has learnt that it is no more functioning. He also suggested that the police personnel may not be interested to continue with it.
What's a CCF?
The centralised lock-up is supposed to have camera detectors for observation and individual bathrooms for detainees. Accused, who are picked up between 7 pm and 9 am from the limits of various stations in a region are supposed to be detained in the centralised facility until other formalities are completed and the court issues further orders. There will be separate blocks for women detainees.
The main aim of the facility was to avoid the situations of detainees being tortured by cops in lock-ups of local stations at odd hours. It also meant to ensure better security and safety of the detainees.
Kottayam failure
The Manarcaud facility was supposed to be used by cops at Ettumanoor, Pampady, Chingavanam, Kottayam East, Kottayam West, Manarcaud, Kidangoor and Ayarkunnam stations. However, a top police officer in the district confirmed to Onmanorama that the facility has been dysfunctional of late. Substantiating this, Manarcaud SI Vinod told Onmanorama that no detainee has been brought to the facility in the past eight months.
Another top cop, on condition of anonymity, said there has not been any official order/communication about stopping the facility. The officer acknowledged that the facility was a scientific method and it ensured more safety of the detainees. “In a station, there could be only 2-3 guards and they may not be able to look after the detainees always. The centralised facility has more security and it also could protect detainees from injuring themselves,” he said.
Onmanorama got contradicting responses from various stations under the Manarcaud facility when contacted to know about the status of the facility.
While cops at the Chingavanom station said they were unaware of the facility, those at Ayarkunnam station said they use the facility when there are large number of detainees in a single night. Kottayam East cops claimed that they try to produce the accused before the magistrate even if it's night in order to avoid further troubles.
With the recent Peermade custodial death putting the state government and the police force in the dock once again, the proposal for setting up more centralised lock-ups has surfaced again. State police chief DGP Loknath Behera has reportedly said the project did not materialise due to several reasons. He, however, said such a facility will be opened in Thrissur district within six months.
