THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three years after Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) S Aneeshya’s alleged suicide over workplace harassment, a fresh controversy has erupted in the directorate of prosecution, with a section of APPs alleging that those who stood by her are being victimised through transfers to remote locations.
The controversy follows an October 23 order by the home department transferring 74 APPs outside the usual March-April transfer period. Seven affected officers approached the Administrative Tribunal, which stayed the order pending further consideration on October 30.
According to the transfer order accessed by TNIE, several APPs have been posted to distant locations, including Grama Nyayalayas under block panchayats. The officers alleged that such transfers had not been effected during the previous government.
They claimed the transfers were part of a witch-hunt against officers suspected of supporting Aneeshya after her death, alleging that those accused of harassing her had targeted colleagues they believed had stood by her.
“After the new government assumed office, certain officials publicly claimed to be Congress loyalists declared in the official WhatsApp group of officers that transfers would be made according to their whims and fancies,” the APPs told TNIE.
The officers also questioned the transparency of the process. Though the order was dated October 23, the list was released only on October 28. The director of prosecution was allegedly asked to prepare proceedings detailing the handing over and taking over of charge.
“The caucus ensured that officers close to them knew the transfer details in advance so they could take charge once the order was issued,” an APP alleged.
The officers further alleged that releasing the order after noon was intended to prevent them from approaching the tribunal, as the deadline for filing petitions was noon. However, some APPs obtained permission to file their petitions late and secured an interim stay.
The affected officers are planning to meet Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who had expressed support for Aneeshya’s family.
