After Youth's Murder, CISF Silence Fuels Concern Among Residents

They allege rising misuse of authority, isolation from neighbours, and poor civic behaviour by CISF personnel living near Nedumbassery, Nayathode and Kariyad

- Abdul Nazer M A @ Kochi

WHILE more than ten days have passed since the murder of a 24-year-old youth at the hands of two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel near Nedumbassery, residents of Nayathode, Kariyad, and Nedumbassery areas have raised concern about uniformed personnel living in these localities frequently misusing authority and engaging in unruly behaviour.

Locals are worried about the behaviour of some CISF personnel, claiming verbal altercations over trivial issues—such as right of way for vehicles and waste disposal. They also note that despite living with families, most CISF personnel remain isolated, preferring to socialise only within their own circles. "Almost all CISF personnel live within a 2km radius of the airport. Whether they reside with their families or stay at the hostel in Nayathode, they maintain little to no connection with the local community," said Jeevan Jose, a local resident and employee of an airline company at CIAL.

He recounted the recent incident that occurred just 150m from his home, describing it as something that should never have happened. "It was a minor altercation that could have been resolved peacefully. Instead, the CISF personnel responded with an authoritarian attitude, which tragically escalated into murder," he said.