The Gujarat chapter of the Indian Police Service (IPS) Association has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against AAP MLA Gopal Italia for allegedly making abusive and defamatory comments towards the police force and election authorities during a recent social media broadcast. The Association expressed concern over Italia’s use of inflammatory language directed at senior police officials in a Facebook Live video that gained significant traction on various social media platforms.
In a memorandum submitted to the Election Commission, the IPS Association condemned the MLA’s remarks as a personal attack on police personnel and an attempt to sow public mistrust in law enforcement and electoral processes, especially amid ongoing elections. The Association emphasized that while criticism of public institutions is acceptable in a democracy, character assassination is not.
The memorandum, signed by president Gyanender Singh Malik and secretary Nipuna M Torawane, highlighted the challenging roles of police officers in maintaining law and order and ensuring impartial security for all citizens, particularly during election periods. It pointed out that Italia’s comments, which also questioned the neutrality of certain police and election officials, could undermine public faith in the institutions responsible for conducting fair elections.
The IPS Association labeled Italia’s statements as a breach of the Model Code of Conduct and urged the Election Commission to take decisive action against the MLA to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and boost the morale of officials involved in election duties. Copies of the memorandum were additionally sent to the Principal Secretary of the Home Department and the Director General and Inspector General of Police in Gujarat.
