Kerala to weed out tainted cops, says minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of reports that several Kerala policemen were facing criminal charges, state's Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said on Saturday he would initiate steps to weed out such personnel.

Speaking at a function organised by the State Human Rights Commission, he said: "With reports surfacing about the presence of nearly 850 policemen implicated in various criminal cases, I have directed that such officials should not hold crucial posts. I have also asked that inquiries be made on the present status of these cases and appropriate action taken," said Balakrishnan.

A state police department report on Friday said that policemen have been implicated in criminal cases for offences like murder to rape.

The January 2000-December 2006 report said the crimes were committed by officers, including a deputy superintendent of police, and constables. Among the offenders are a woman sub-inspector and five women constables.

The report surfaced after a media house sought the information under the Right to Information Act.

The list includes 14 police personnel of the special intelligence branch and 47 from the crime branch. Fifteen personnel have been accused of murder, 10 for rape and 167 have cases against them for outraging the modesty of women.

While 300 have cases against them for burglary, 70 face criminal cases for threat and extortion.

There are around 54,000 policemen in the state.