KOCHI: A petition seeking an inquiry by a sitting judge of Thiruvananthapuram District and Sessions Court into the alleged exploitation of camp followers by senior police officers was filed in the High Court on Wednesday. The petitioner sought a directive to submit the details of camp followers engaged in the state. “Camp followers are appointed in police battalions temporarily as barbers, cooks, water carriers and sweepers.
“They are employed on daily wages and their service is terminated after the completion of their period, New persons are then appointed as camp followers,” said the petitioner, alleging it had now come to light the camp followers were exploited by the senior police officers and worked as the latter’s slaves.
“It is a violation of human rights. “They are forced to undertake menial work because they fear their service will be terminated if they refuse,” said the petitioner, who also sought a directive to constitute a special investigation to look into the alleged misuse of government vehicles.