Kodiyeri vows to free police from mafia influence

Kannur, Kerala, May 22 (UNI) Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today said the Police department would be freed from 'mafia' influence and such groups had no future in the State.

Addressing a meet-the-press-programme here, he said strong action would be taken against policemen who used 'third degree' measures and violated human rights.

The Minister said transfers in the police department would be taken up only on a merit basis.

A high level meeting of police officials would be held in Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow.

Mr Balakrishnan, who is also Tourism Minister, said the sector would be promoted in the state and participation of the private sector would be taken up later.

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