HC comes down on ‘ego, arrogance of khaki’

State Police Chief asked to submit report on Pink Police officer falsely accusing a girl of theft

The Kerala High Court on Monday berated a former Pink Police officer who had allegedly humiliated an eight-year-old girl by accusing her of stealing her mobile phone. The court termed the officer’s behaviour towards the girl ‘ego and arrogance of khaki.’

Justice Devan Ramachandran made these observations when a petition moved by the girl, seeking a directive to the State Government to take strict action against civil police officer Rejitha, came up for hearing. The judge, who watched the video of the incident, termed it disturbing. He said he was moved by the sight of the child cryingupon being confronted by the woman officer police.

The girl was terrified. The family belonged to a vulnerable section of society. When the missing phone was found, the police officer could have apologised to the child. The matter would have ended there, the judge said. “Will the girl have confidence in the police now? Will she regard the police as protector now?” he asked.