Be loyal to justice

Tuesday, 2 October 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A tense situation developed in Kahawatte on Monday due to the news that the Policeman who was in charge of the investigation into six murders in the area was transferred under an order by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Several news articles have pointed out over the last few days that the officer has received undue attention from politicians in the area who were allegedly involved in the six female deaths, which resulted in the transfer.

Sri Lanka has a long history of political interference eroding the independence of the Police. This transfer, coming on the top of the Malaka Silva fiasco, has pushed respect for Police to an all-time low. The deliberate and obvious feet-dragging during that investigation, together with the Police missing out on basic points such as submitting video footage to court, has made the Police little short of a public laughing stock. Even though the video footage was eventually submitted, it was done after the court ordered it, and many people are still convinced that the incident was not dealt with fairly and transparently.

As every IGP is appointed, his first speech to the public is peppered with assurances for an impartial and professional Police service that will win the trust and respect of the masses. Yet, time and again reality has proved to be a disappointment. Justice remains in the purview of the rich and the poor are left to putter along as best they can.

The six murders in Kahawatte have horrified a nation. Not only because of the ferocity of the crimes, but because they included children and the Police have to date been unable to put anyone behind bars for this most heinous of all crimes. The emergence of allegations over a massive drug trafficking network in the area and the presence of strong political figures behind the move have been highlighted many times, but there has been little attempt by the Police to build public confidence through a swift and effective investigation.

The one silver lining in this environment was the presence of an investigation unit that appeared to actually be getting close to the offenders. This transfer, regardless of whatever justification can be given by the Police, is both ill-timed and in complete disregard of justice. There can be no question over the fact that such a transfer would not only destroy public confidence in the investigation but would delay or even deprive the victims of much-needed closure.

Politicians have repeatedly insisted that there is no political interference within the Police. However, events have repeatedly proved otherwise and the masses continue to completely disregard such statements simply because they know that they are not true. If the politicians and the Police want to prove that they are capable of putting their interests aside and genuinely caring about the people, then they need to stop protecting offenders and allow for the impartial application of the law.

Interference of this nature also deters Police officers from carrying out their duties as it is apparent that solving crimes does not win them any fans or, as it would seem, career opportunities. Random transfer of officials when they are engaged in important assignments needs to stop and the Police have to remember that their loyalty should be to the people.