The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations that the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor and its grounds have turned into a hub for drug peddlers and anti-social elements.
Alexander Thomas, Chairman, SHRC, on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) directed the District Superintendent of Police (Kochi City) and the Joint Commissioner of Excise to conduct a detailed investigation into the complaint in collaboration with the secretaries of Kochi Corporation and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). The commission ordered an inquiry into the case, which it suo motu registered based on media reports.
The commission ordered that both the city police and the excise tax should increase patrolling in the area. A police team led by an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (ACP) should check whether the street lights in and around the stadium and the Link Road street lights and metro poles in the area are functional and instruct the concerned authorities to rectify the fault found.
The investigating officers were asked to submit separate reports to the Commission within a month. The GCDA was directed to make clear in its report whether it was entrusted with the maintenance of the stadium.
The ACP representing the District Superintendent of Police and senior officials on behalf of the Joint Commissioner of Excise and Secretaries of the Corporation and GCDA have been directed to appear before the commission in a meeting scheduled on March 3 at 10 am at the PWD Rest Home in Pathadippalam.
Published – 28 Jan 2026 21:17 IST
