Thiruvananthapuram, August 25
Seven officers attached to the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram have been transferred to the Armed Reserve camp following a controversy over the participation of two criminal case accused in Onam celebrations held on the station premises.
The disciplinary action was taken on the basis of a preliminary investigation conducted by the Special Branch. The incident came to light after videos recorded by one of the accused, I.P. Binu, were widely circulated on social media.
Binu and another accused, Nithinraj, are facing charges in connection with an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials. The videos showed Binu riding a swing and posing for photographs during the celebrations outside the station.
Controversy intensified after Binu was seen wearing a shirt similar in colour to those worn by police personnel at the event. This led to allegations that the officers had purchased and supplied the clothing to him. However, the preliminary investigation found no evidence to substantiate the charge.
City Police Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General Arul R.B. Krishna said no misconduct had been established against Circle Inspector Prasanth. The officer had been unwell and had officially informed his superiors that he was not in charge when the celebrations were organised.
The Commissioner said the transferred officers had failed to prevent the accused from joining the festivities despite being aware of their presence. Allowing accused persons to participate in celebrations on police station premises was improper, he said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shahansha K.S. will conduct a detailed inquiry into whether any officer facilitated the participation of the accused.
Meanwhile, police have approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-III seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Binu and Nithinraj. The Special Public Prosecutor alleged that their participation in the event violated bail conditions imposed by the Kerala High Court.
