Probe ordered as couple uploads video of moral policing by cops

Sitting and chatting is not obscene. They said I have put my hand over the shoulder of the girl while chatting. When I said it is a friendly overture they threatened me.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Director General of Police Loknath Behra on Wednesday ordered a probe after a video of two women police constables questioning a young couple alleging indecent behavior turned viral.

The youngsters were questioned when they were chatting at Museum Park here on Tuesday. Later, they were taken to a nearby police station and questioned by senior officers. They were charged under IPC Section 290 (creating public nuisance) and set free on station bail after furnishing relevant documents.

“Sitting and chatting is not obscene. They said I have put my hand over the shoulder of the girl while chatting. When I said it is a friendly overture they threatened me,” said the man who did not want to reveal his name. When the issue came in the limelight the police came out with an explanation saying that they intervened when locals complained that they were indulging in indecent behavior.

Ironically the incident surfaced days after CM Pinarayi Vijayan directed the police to take strict action against those who indulge in moral policing. The DGP has asked IG Manoj Abraham to probe the incident and take action against officials if found guilty.

Two weeks back two girls and aboywereattackedbyagroupof SFI activists in University College in a suspected case of moral policing.

The police are also facing heat in the alleged abduction and harassment of a popular actress in Kochi on last Friday.

Recently the state police had introduced a women-only “Pink Police” to patrol busy areas to check crime against women. Though they took many into custody many complained that at times, they over-stretched to fill the required quota of cases.