Human Rights Panel Intervenes in Pongumoodu Water Authority Assault Case

Incident at the Water Authority Office

In a significant development, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the city police commissioner Thomson Jose to take appropriate action against officials of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) involved in an alleged assault case at the Pongumoodu office in Thiruvananthapuram. The incident reportedly occurred when a consumer, identified as Saji, approached the office to enquire about a disconnection of his drinking water supply. It was during this visit that the alleged altercation took place inside the government premises.

Commission’s Directive and Police Submission

The directive came from SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas during a formal sitting of the commission. Interestingly, police records submitted to the commission reveal that Saji himself did not express any formal complaint about the incident. His statement was presented in person by Kazhakkoottam Cyber City Assistant Commissioner R Anilkumar, acting on behalf of the city police chief. Additionally, a copy of the statement made to the Medical College Station House Officer (SHO) was also handed over to the commission for reference.

Despite the victim’s non-complaint stance, the SHRC has taken the issue seriously due to its public nature and the fact that it happened within a government institution, thus constituting a breach of public order.

Administrative Response and Ongoing Inquiry

In a related move, the SHRC has also asked the Kerala Water Authority's southern region chief engineer to fast-track disciplinary actions against those found responsible, in accordance with the service rules. The report submitted by the chief engineer confirmed that the junior superintendent and the head clerk implicated in the incident have been suspended. Meanwhile, two other clerks — one upper division and one lower division — have been transferred to other locations.

The case was initially registered suo motu by the SHRC based on news reports that brought the incident to light. Subsequently, Sanal Kumar, a resident of Ayiroopara, filed a separate complaint, further emphasizing public concern over the alleged misconduct. The Commission continues to monitor the situation and has reinforced the need for transparency and accountability in public offices.