Perumbavoor murder: UDF finds itself in a sticky spot

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF has found itself on a sticky wicket as the police have failed to find the culprit in the brutal rape and murder of law student in Perumbavoor.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy and home minister Ramesh Chennithala have suddenly become the target of the opposition parties, who are now focusing on reported increase in crime against women in the state.
Both the CPM and BJP have changed their campaign tactic of cornering the UDF based on allegations of corruption.
“The UDF is not giving protection to vulnerable women in society but the criminals are thriving under the rule of the Congress-led government,'' said CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan.
Accusing the Congress of politicizing the police force, Vijayan said the law and order situation in the state has worsened, resulting in an increase in crime against women.
BJP state president Kummanam Rajashekaran said the government had failed to give protection to the family. He also blamed the people's representatives for their failure to address the issue of alleged ostracization suffered by the victim's family .
Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan said police is providing a safe heaven for criminals in the state. “The dereliction of duty on part of the government and the police in the case of the woman cannot be pardoned. The people of Kerala will not pardon the government and the police for not taking act swift action,'' said Achuthanandan.