No 'third degree methods' in police stations: Home Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, May 20 : Making it clear that no ''third degree methods' would be allowed in police stations, Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today said all steps would be taken to improve the police-public relations in the state.

Admitting that a 'wide gap' existed between police and the public, he said police officials should behave in a decent manner with the public when they approached police stations to lodge complaints.

Participating in ''Janavidhikkusesham'' (post-poll meet) programme organised by the Press Club here, he said there would not be any compromise against mafia gangs, goondas and those involved in sex rackets. He said all steps would be taken to suppress the activities of such anti-social elements as promised in the LDF manifesto.

The state Government would take all steps to ensure the safety of women and enable them to move freely without fear.

Clarifying that police would not be used against political rivals, he said the government's aim was to create a situation not to use lathi and gun to maintain the law and order situation.

Alleging the law and order situation had completely collapsed and the state had witnessed a number of communal clashes and riots during the five-year rule of the UDF, the Home Minister said the main challenge of the new Government would be to find a solution to it.

The government would convert the police force as ''people-friendly'' and set up a ''State Police Commission'' to hear the complaints about police atrocity and to redress grievances of the force, he said.

He also promised security for mediapersons against police action and cautioned stern action against inefficient officials. With an aim to reduce accident deaths, a traffic reform would be brought in, he added.

Mr Balakrishnan, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the government would attract more investment in the tourism sector.

He further added steps would be taken to improve the domestic tourism, Health, Farm, Eco and Adventure tourism in the state without affecting traditional culture and the environment.

UNI