DGP terms it 'lock-up torture'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suspended DGP Jacob Thomas has said that sexual harassment against people, who have taken an oath of celibacy, should be treated as extremely heinous and harassment of nuns by those who are supposed to protect them should be viewed as 'lock-up tortures'.

"Arrests in criminal cases now depend on who is more influential. Probe officers have no liability to convince public of their actions in usual cases. With nuns going public alleging delay over Jalandhar bishop's arrest, they (police) are now liable to provide an explanation," he said during a meet-the-press programme organized by Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on Monday, to discuss 'Post-flood situations in Kerala'.

"The alleged harassment against the nun and the delay in arresting the accused has also raised the question whether safety is ensured for citizens in Kerala," he added.

Reiterating his strong stand against corruption, Thomas said he became 'unfit' to be in the current system ever since he took a strong stand. "But, I don't think I am being hunted down. Instead I am enjoying my experiences," he said.

Thomas also said that Kerala could be considered corruption-free only when people can see and feel zero corruption in all sectors and life, 'which is being projected as the present government's policy'. People should keep their eyes and ears open to fight corruption, he said.

On the post-flood scenario, Thomas said the state should now look forward to a 'second modernity' by ensuring economic, social and environmental justice to achieve sustainable development. "We should build a Kerala without compound walls that disrupts water cycles. We could opt for hedges for achieving a cultural and ecological modernization," he said.