What Is 'Friends Of Police' And Why Is It Suspended Over Custodial Killing In Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu Police has announced that it is suspended the services of Friends of Police (FoP) a group of volunteer civilians who used to work closely with the cops in the state.
Police stations across the state have been asked to recall of identity cards issued to the FoP volunteers and instructed the police not to engage them in any police-related activities at least for the next two months.
The decision was taken after the role of FoP volunteers came under the scanner over the custodial murder of Jeyaraj and Bennicks by the cops at the?Sathankulam Police station?last month.
A probe by the CBCID, the special wing of the Criminal Investigation Department had reportedly found that at least six FoP volunteers who used to help the cops at the station were involved in the torture of the father and son on June 19, that led to their deaths.
Even the family of Jayaraj and Bennicks had alleged that the duo who were arrested for keeping their mobile phone shop open beyond the lockdown curfew relaxations was tortured by FoP volunteers.
They had demanded that murder charges should be slapped against the six men.
Meanwhile, the FoP in a statement distanced itself from the custodial killings and claimed that the six men who are allegedly involved in the incident are not registered as FoP members nor attended any training session or given FoP identity card.
FoP which was was started in 1993 with aims like bringing the police and public closer and help the cops in non-investigation matters have around 4,000 active members across Tamil Nadu.
On its website, FoP's roles have been listed as doing community service, follow safety and Traffic rules, lend a helping hand, follow principles of Honesty, Punctuality, and dedication, assist the Police in preventing crime, assist the Police in maintaining law and order, assist the Police in Traffic regulations etc.
Recently they were also involved in the distribution of essential supplies in COVID-19 containment zones.
Among those listed as Don'ts for FoP's are, don't go to the police station with a recommendation, don't be a party to any dispute, don't misuse your status as FoP, among other things.
Following the killing of the father and son, which triggered a massive outrage several people including some in Thoothukudi had alleged that they were tortured by FoPs at the?Sathankulam Police station, which the authorities have vehemently denied.
