‘Good morning’ at police stations; Chennithala launches anti-drug ‘Operation Toofan’ against drugs

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has announced sweeping reforms across all 484 police stations in the state, aiming to transform them into people-friendly service centres. Complaints from the public will be heard with empathy and fairness, and long-abandoned vehicles lying on station premises will also be removed, he said.

Addressing the media after a meeting with senior police officials at the police headquarters, Chennithala also announced that Kerala Police has launched a special anti-drug initiative named ‘Operation Toofan’ to crack down on the growing drug menace in the state.

He said strict action would be taken in crimes against women and children, while the Janamaithri policing system would be strengthened further. Technology will be used to reduce road accidents, police training syllabus will be revised, and new plans will be implemented to tackle cybercrime.

What Ramesh Chennithala said:

“We have decided to bring radical changes to all 484 police stations in Kerala. Anyone who walks into a station should first be greeted with a ‘Good Morning’. They should be welcomed respectfully and provided seating while their complaints are heard properly.

Steps will be taken to maintain cleanliness in all police stations. The DGP will initiate legal action under the Police Act to remove vehicles that have been lying abandoned on station premises for years. All 484 police stations in Kerala will get a new face, and there will also be major improvements in the functioning and efficiency of police personnel. Kerala Police will henceforth function with the goal of turning police stations into true public service centres.”

He added that suggestions had emerged to ensure the presence of Sub-Inspectors, Circle Inspectors and DYSPs at police stations more regularly. A five-member committee has been appointed to study the matter, and further action will be based on its report.

On anti-drug drive, Chennithala said: “Kerala Police has launched a project called ‘Operation Toofan – The Narco Hunt’ against the widespread drug menace in the state. In the coming days, an extremely strong operation will be carried out with the aim of uprooting narcotics from Kerala. Everyone connected to drug trafficking and narcotics networks will be placed under Kerala Police surveillance.”