Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 74 youths from the tribal sector for the first time in history, joined the Kerala Police on May 15. The passing out parade of the 74 youngsters took place in Thrissur Police Academy. DGP Lokanath Behera saluted the outgoing candidates. Relatives of the recruits were also present to witness the event.

Among the 74 tribals, 24 are women which include Attappadi mob lynching victim Madhu's sister Chandrika. A 27-year-old Adivasi youth, Madhu was lynched at Attappadi in Palakkad on February 22 last year by a mob, which had accused him of theft. Chandrika underwent the selection process and training. She told media that her brother was her inspiration.

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Eight candidates in the batch hail from Malappuram, 51 from Wayanad and 15 from Palakkad district. Two of them are postgraduates, seven are graduates, two have completed BEd, 30 have completed their Plus Two and the rest have cleared their SSLC examinations. National Kabaddi star and state football team member M Aswathi and C Eeshwari are also part of the group.

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The candidates were trained in karate, swimming, yoga and high-altitude combat in a specially designed curriculum. The parade officially marked the end of nine months of rigorous training.

The officers will be appointed at forest regions in their hometown.