Official records reveal a startling development- no convictions have occurred in the 431 bomb attack cases registered in Kerala between 2016 and 2022. The police have closed 205 cases due to lack of progress in the investigation and two others for the absence of evidence. Authorities have filed charge sheets in only 162 cases, and trials are ongoing in court. In summary, no accused individuals have received sentences.

Data from June 2016 to August 2022, coinciding with the tenure of the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, shows that the police did not pursue investigations in most bomb attack cases because the accused belonged to the ruling party. High-ranking police officers frequently pressured investigation teams to undermine these cases.

The data reveals that 150 goonda attacks occurred in Kerala during the specified period. Charge sheets were filed in 142 cases, while two cases were closed. Courts sentenced five accused and acquitted six others.

Allegations suggest that the police top brass showed little interest in ensuring investigation teams presented foolproof evidence against the accused in court. Meanwhile, the police registered only 10 cases related to bomb-making blasts. They filed charge sheets in five of these cases and closed two others.

In a development highlighting the challenges faced by the Kerala Police, the sub-inspector of Kazhakkoottam in Thiruvananthapuram contacted all known offenders in the area, requesting them to come to the police station to sign the register.

Image source: OpIndia