The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to conduct an inquiry, by an officer not below the rank of ADGP, into whether any police officials were responsible for registering a fabricated case against ten members of the Rama Varma Club for playing cards.
The court also said that action against officials, if any, responsible for fabricating the case is needed.
Justice C K Abdul Rehim passed the order while considering a petition filed by Charly Rodrigues of Kalamassery and nine other members of the club, challenging the police action.
On January 10, 1998, when the petitioners and other members were playing cards in the card room, a police team headed by the then City Police Commissioner Jacob Thomas arrested them alleging that the group was playing ‘Rummy’.
The petition pointed out that Jacob Thomas conducted a raid on the club with vested interest.
During the pendancy of the petition, the investigation of the case was completed and a final report was filed which stated that the case against the accused was false.
The report also stated that the police had registered the case with fabricated evidence and arrested the members purposefully.
The court pointed out that the incident is a clear evidence of blatant inaction on the part of the state and its officials, against a serious violation of human rights.
The state should inquire into the persons responsible for registering the case and arresting the petitioners by fabricating evidence.
It should also examine whether there was any ill-treatment and harassment against the victims.
The probe should delve into whether the necessary conditions were followed while arresting the petitioners.
The government should take action based on the report if any of the officers are found guilty. The inquiry should be completed within four months, the court held.