Attack on Kottayam bus owner: HC initiates suo moto contempt proceedings against police

Kochi: The Kerala high court has summoned the Kottayam district police chief and Kumarakom station house officer in connection with the attack on a private bus owner in Thiruvarppu last week. The owner had come under attack despite the court providing him with police protection. 

Considering the incident as an act of contempt of court, high court justice N Nagaresh has called in the police officials, asking them to report to the court in person, at 10:15 AM on July 10. The high court has initiated suo moto contempt proceedings against the police. 

The attack on the person is regarded as a lapse of duty on the part of the cops.  The high court had earlier ordered 1-month police protection for running the bus services without any hindrance after bus owners Minikutty and her husband Rajmohan approached the high court seeking a verdict in their favor.

According to a single bench ruling on June 23, the police were supposed to give protection to the 4 buses of the particular owner, allowing them to operate services without any hindrance.  However, Rajmohan, the bus owner, was allegedly beaten by a CPM leader, as he tried to resume the service of his bus.