Two Police Personnel Suspended in Thiruvananthapuram for Serious Misconduct
In a significant disciplinary action, the city police in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital district of Kerala, have suspended two personnel for grave misconduct involving dereliction of duty and aiding a criminal in custody. These incidents underscore ongoing concerns about internal monitoring and enforcement of discipline within the force.
Suspension for Alcohol Consumption During Election Duty
In the first case, Sub-Inspector Sathi Kumar from Kovalam police station was suspended after being allegedly found consuming alcohol while on election duty. Election duty is considered a high-responsibility assignment, with strict adherence to conduct rules mandatory during such deployments. The incident came to light when a senior officer reported his behavior, prompting immediate departmental action. The suspension has been issued pending further inquiry into the matter, highlighting the zero-tolerance approach towards violations during critical assignments.
Suspension for Aiding a Gangster in Custody
In another serious incident, Senior Civil Police Officer Sreekumar, attached to Pettah police station, was placed under suspension for allegedly assisting gangster Puthenpalam Rajesh while he was in custody. According to preliminary findings, Sreekumar facilitated Rajesh in making phone calls to his family members, lawyer, and associates by arranging access to a mobile phone on the station premises. Rajesh was arrested during a recent special police drive and was in custody in connection with multiple cases, including an attempted murder charge. Sources indicate that the officer's action amounted to a grave breach of custodial protocol, potentially compromising ongoing investigations. The incident reportedly occurred while Rajesh was lodged at the Pettah station following his arrest last month.
Additional Scrutiny and Official Statements
Police authorities have also initiated an oral inquiry against two other civil police officers at the Pettah station, who are suspected of having knowledge of or involvement in the act. Their role is currently under scrutiny as part of the broader investigation. Senior officials have stated that strict action will be taken against any personnel found violating service rules, particularly in sensitive cases involving custody and election duties. The back-to-back suspensions have once again highlighted the urgent need for tighter internal monitoring and stricter enforcement of discipline within the police force to maintain public trust and operational integrity.
