Mani wants Assembly to meet on custodial deaths

Kochi, Aug 14 (UNI) Condemning to the recent custodial deaths in the state, Kerala Congress (Mani) president K M Mani today alleged the police administration in the state was ''in shambles'' and urged the immediate convening of the Assembly to discuss the issue.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr Mani said there were 14 custodial deaths after the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government came to power and this indicated serious shortcomings in the functioning of the Home ministry.

The police, instead of protecting the rights of the common people had become a nightmare for them, he added.

Mr Mani alleged that Education Minister M A Baby was working against the interests of society in the self-financing professional college issue.

On the state government's recommendation to Governor R L Bhatia to increase the number of members from three to four in the Human Rights Commission, Mr Mani said it was a violation of the committment given by the government to the Supreme Court and the Centre to maintain the number of members at three.

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