Mafia syndicates - of all hues - seem to thrive in the tiny state of Kerala. That they've a close nexus with the politicians and the police is a known fact. Therefore, when fights spark between them it boils down to a struggle between differing political affiliations.
They seem to be a law unto themselves and the powers that be, helplessly, concede that the law that's applicable to you and me just doesn't seem to bother them! Regarding the specific aspect of sand mining, the government has promulgated a list of places from where sand can be mined and the prices established but unfortunately, there aren't very many takers.
Sand mined from unauthorised places, on the other hand, fetch a handsome amount. A normal sized truck, laden with sand, can fetch up to Rs.25,000/- and the income generated can be deduced if the truck were to make just four trips! The police has reported that they're brought under tremendous pressure if they take action against the offenders because of political patronage. In fact, stories are a plenty about political parties owning 'sand mining' stretches!
Thus, fighting such a syndicate, can only be pursued at the cost of great risks to the investigating officer. And that's what had happened to Sub Inspector KM Rajan of the Pariyaram Police Station of Kannur district. The sub inspector had boarded one of the lorries loaded with sand and the goons had driven off the vehicle to an isolated place, where he was severely beaten up and chucked out. SI Rajan, is currently admitted in a private hospital where he's battling for survival!
In summation, consider these:-
(a) This is a state with a very high percentage of literate population.
(b) The Malayalees are known for their stubborn attitude and a longing for white collar jobs.
(c) The Malayalee is also known to be an arch critic of anything and everything.
(d) The tolerance levels among people have dipped alarmingly. Even healthy criticism,
paradoxically, has few takers.
(e) The tendency to flout the laws and hurl the wildest of allegations on one's opponents are
now becoming common phenomena.
(f) Governmental positions - once considered sacrosanct and the persons holding them the
embodiment of propriety - have lost their lustre because of the elevation of tainted and pliant
persons! If a committee looking into a grievous lapse comes up with facts, it's ridiculed
and its findings dumped!!
(g) The decisions taken by one political dispensation is set aside by the other if a particular
decision doesn't suit its ideology, the state's well being be damned!
The list is endless and it would be pointless putting them down but the end result is that the state has not made any progress in key areas. Decisions, having long term ramifications or long lead time, are quietly dumped for immediate gains. It's a bleak situation indeed!
Coming back to the heroic Sub Inspector KM Rajan. It's my fond hope that he comes out of his medical ordeal without problems.
Rajan, I salute your sense of duty and your fearlessness! May your heroics ignite a thousand young minds to follow your footsteps!!
Tailpiece.
It was our 24th wedding anniversary which we celebrated in a very quiet manner sans the usual cake cutting ceremony in the presence of friends and relatives.
They seem to be a law unto themselves and the powers that be, helplessly, concede that the law that's applicable to you and me just doesn't seem to bother them! Regarding the specific aspect of sand mining, the government has promulgated a list of places from where sand can be mined and the prices established but unfortunately, there aren't very many takers.
Sand mined from unauthorised places, on the other hand, fetch a handsome amount. A normal sized truck, laden with sand, can fetch up to Rs.25,000/- and the income generated can be deduced if the truck were to make just four trips! The police has reported that they're brought under tremendous pressure if they take action against the offenders because of political patronage. In fact, stories are a plenty about political parties owning 'sand mining' stretches!
Thus, fighting such a syndicate, can only be pursued at the cost of great risks to the investigating officer. And that's what had happened to Sub Inspector KM Rajan of the Pariyaram Police Station of Kannur district. The sub inspector had boarded one of the lorries loaded with sand and the goons had driven off the vehicle to an isolated place, where he was severely beaten up and chucked out. SI Rajan, is currently admitted in a private hospital where he's battling for survival!
In summation, consider these:-
(a) This is a state with a very high percentage of literate population.
(b) The Malayalees are known for their stubborn attitude and a longing for white collar jobs.
(c) The Malayalee is also known to be an arch critic of anything and everything.
(d) The tolerance levels among people have dipped alarmingly. Even healthy criticism,
paradoxically, has few takers.
(e) The tendency to flout the laws and hurl the wildest of allegations on one's opponents are
now becoming common phenomena.
(f) Governmental positions - once considered sacrosanct and the persons holding them the
embodiment of propriety - have lost their lustre because of the elevation of tainted and pliant
persons! If a committee looking into a grievous lapse comes up with facts, it's ridiculed
and its findings dumped!!
(g) The decisions taken by one political dispensation is set aside by the other if a particular
decision doesn't suit its ideology, the state's well being be damned!
The list is endless and it would be pointless putting them down but the end result is that the state has not made any progress in key areas. Decisions, having long term ramifications or long lead time, are quietly dumped for immediate gains. It's a bleak situation indeed!
Coming back to the heroic Sub Inspector KM Rajan. It's my fond hope that he comes out of his medical ordeal without problems.
Rajan, I salute your sense of duty and your fearlessness! May your heroics ignite a thousand young minds to follow your footsteps!!
Tailpiece.
It was our 24th wedding anniversary which we celebrated in a very quiet manner sans the usual cake cutting ceremony in the presence of friends and relatives.
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