Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Thiruvananthapuram: The accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) chairman and Devaswom Commissioner N. The inquiry into Vasu being handcuffed during his court appearance earlier this week has ended without recommending disciplinary action against the police officers. However, the report acknowledged that the act violated legal norms and caused embarrassment to the government.
Vasu was handcuffed by officials of the Thiruvananthapuram Armed Reserve (AR) camp and taken from Poojappura Central Jail here to the Kollam Vigilance Court.
Police said that handcuffs were placed on only one hand and that too with the consent of the accused.
He claimed that the step was taken in compliance with the instructions of the jail authorities, who had directed that strict security protocols be followed to prevent any escape.
Police also said that Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials were present at that time.
The escort team included one SI and four constables from the AR camp.
He informed the investigators that Vasu had been informed beforehand, and that the purpose of handcuffing him was not to humiliate or disrespect him.
The investigation led by the AR Commandant concluded that the actions were not deliberate misconduct.
However, a separate report submitted to the Special Branch DGP found that the officers violated provisions of the Indian Code of Justice (BNS), which clearly specifies the categories of criminals who can be handcuffed.
It said handcuffing was not necessary due to Vasu’s age and the nature of his alleged crimes.
Incidentally, the state police chief expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the situation, saying the police chief failed to consider legal guidelines.
According to the report, the incident not only violated procedural norms but also had a bad impact on the government.
Although no punitive action is recommended, the report emphasizes the need for strict adherence to legal protocols in dealing with accused persons, especially in sensitive cases involving public figures.
Vasu, a former CPI-M-backed president of a village council in his early days, later became commissioner and then president of the TDB and has been a loyal aide of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan throughout.
–IANS