Minister informs Steven of actions | Tourist empties liquor bottles on roa, V SivanKutty, Manorama News

Thiruvananthapuram: V Sivankutty, the Minister overseeing Public Education and Labor, engaged in a telephone conversation with Steven Asberg, a Dutch national, concerning a New Year’s Eve incident involving the disrespectful treatment of a foreign visitor. The minister informed Asberg about the government’s response, including the suspension of a Grade SI officer. A meeting between Asberg and the minister is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. the following afternoon at the minister’s official residence.

Following the incident, Grade SI Shaji, stationed at the Kovalam police station, faced suspension. This disciplinary action originated from instructions given by DGP Anil Kant. Furthermore, an investigation will determine if any further responsibility lies with the Station House Officer. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested a comprehensive police report regarding the matter. Minister PA Mohammad Riyaz also voiced his disapproval of the police’s handling of the situation.

In Kovalam on New Year’s Eve, Steven Asberg, a Dutch citizen, was stopped by law enforcement after requesting a receipt. Following the interaction, Asberg discarded two bottles of alcohol onto the street because, according to police accounts, he lacked the required bill for the alcohol. The police only permitted him to retrieve his remaining bottle of alcohol after he returned with the necessary proof of purchase.

English Summary: A foreign visitor disposed of liquor bottles in the street; Minister V Sivankutty communicated with the individual involved.

## Kerala Police Brutality Sparks International Incident

Kerala is facing international scrutiny after a New Year’s Eve incident involving a Dutch national, Steven Asberg, and Kovalam police. Asberg, who requested a receipt for his alcohol purchases, was allegedly treated disrespectfully by police and forced to discard two bottles of liquor onto the street for lacking proof of purchase. He was only allowed to retrieve his remaining bottle after producing the receipt.

This incident has sparked outrage, leading to the suspension of Grade SI Shaji from the Kovalam police station, as per instructions from DGP Anil Kant. Further investigation will determine whether the Station House Officer bears any responsibility. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded a comprehensive police report, and Minister PA Mohammad Riyaz has publicly condemned the police’s actions.

Minister V Sivankutty personally contacted Asberg to address the situation and inform him of the government’s response. A meeting between the minister and Asberg is scheduled to take place. The incident highlights concerns about police conduct and the potential for negative consequences for Kerala’s tourism sector. The swift disciplinary action taken against SI Shaji suggests an attempt by the government to contain the damage, but the long-term implications remain to be seen. The full police report and the outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the appropriate response to this incident and preventing similar occurrences in the future.