Thiruvananthapuram mall assault: Probe finds no lapse in invoking charge against cop

T'puram: An internal police probe has found no lapse in invoking a non-bailable charge against civil police officer Mithun Roy following a counter-complaint by SFI activists in connection with the assault incident at a mall in Thiruvananthapuram.Fort assistant commissioner has submitted a report stating that the charge was based on statements and video evidence indicating that Mithun struck SFI workers with a bangle during the incident.Mithun was allegedly assaulted by a group of SFI activists on Saturday while he was on leave and visiting the mall with his sister. Police suspect the attack was in retaliation for the New Year's Eve clash at Shanghumugham, where Mithun was among the officers involved in dispersing protesting SFI workers. Following the mall incident, SFI activists lodged a complaint alleging that Mithun assaulted them with a bangle. Examination of CCTV footage suggested prima facie evidence supporting the allegation, leading to the invocation of a non-bailable section against the officer. The move had triggered resentment within the police force."The Section 118(1) (of BNS) for voluntarily causing hurt was charged against Mithun after reviewing the video footage. However, the police have decided not to take further action, such as his arrest," a police source said.Vanchiyoor police had earlier arrested SFI activists Revanth and Sujith in connection with the assault. They were later released on bail under bailable sections.DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar said strict action would be taken against the accused. "If there is any assault, we will take strict action. If the police personnel has done anything, action will be taken against him as well," the DGP said.