Video of Thrissur Police Commissioner shouting at Pooram organisers surfaces

Thrissur: In the wake of allegations that the police marred this year’s Thrissur Pooram, purported visuals of Thrissur Police Commissioner Ankit Asokan IPS misbehaving with the Pooram committee members who had brought the colourful umbrellas for ‘kudamattam’ ritual and the palm leaves to feed the elephants are out.

In the video, it was seen that the commissioner was shouting at the committee members asking them to take the items away. They were allowed to enter the premises only after they convinced the police that the elephants needed to be fed. The police team, led by the Commissioner, also prevented the members who came with the colourful umbrellas. 

The officer was arguing that there was no space inside, inviting wrath from the onlookers who mocked the police asking if they would also prevent the ‘kudamattam’. 

The police team under his leadership also tried to evacuate the employees and committee members from the fireworks site, causing discontent among them. The closing down of the roads by 10 pm for the fireworks at 3 am also irked the public. Thousands of Pooram lovers from across the State were stranded owing to the actions of the police. Many went back without witnessing the spectacular event.