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Key Points

A senior Kerala Armed Police officer has been suspended for arriving intoxicated while on security duty during Home Minister Amit Shah's state visit. The incident occurred at Cochin International Airport, where the officer was responsible for a critical security assignment. State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar recommended immediate suspension after a detailed investigation confirmed the officer's inebriated state. The police department is set to conduct a formal inquiry that could result in further disciplinary action.

Key Points: Amit Shah Security Breach Kerala Cop Suspended for Duty Lapse

  • Kerala cop suspended for arriving drunk on VVIP security duty
  • Incident occurred at Cochin International Airport business terminal
  • Chemical analysis confirmed alcohol presence in bloodstream
  • Departmental inquiry to be initiated under police rules
2 min read

Kerala cop suspended for intoxication on duty during HM Amit Shah's security

Kerala Armed Police officer S. Suresh suspended after being found intoxicated during Home Minister Amit Shah's high-security visit

"Serious breach of discipline, dereliction of duty, and gross irresponsibility - Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, State Police Chief"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 5

The Kerala government has suspended Assistant Commandant S. Suresh of the Kerala Armed Police (KAP) Battalion after he was found intoxicated while deployed on high-security duty during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's two-day visit to the state, government officials said on Sunday

According to official sources, the action follows a special report submitted by the State Police Chief, Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, to the Home Department citing "serious breach of discipline, dereliction of duty, and gross irresponsibility" on the part of Suresh.

The incident occurred on August 21 at the Cochin International Airport's business jet terminal and safe house, where Suresh was serving as Officer-in-Charge.

Officials said that Suresh arrived for duty in an inebriated state while part of a security detail responsible for the safe movement of the Union Home Minister.

He was immediately relieved of his responsibilities and subjected to medical examination at the Angamaly Taluk Hospital.

A subsequent chemical analysis confirmed the presence of ethyl alcohol in his bloodstream.

The State Police Chief, in his report, underscored the gravity of the misconduct, particularly because the lapse took place during a VVIP visit of national importance.

The report noted that Suresh's behaviour undermined both the security protocol and the credibility of the police force.

Based on these findings, A. Chandrasekhar recommended Suresh's immediate suspension.

After reviewing the report, the Home Department concluded there was prima facie evidence of grave indiscipline and ordered Suresh's suspension with immediate effect.

A departmental inquiry will follow under the Kerala Police Departmental Inquiries, Punishment and Appeal Rules, 1958 (KPDIP&A Rules).

Suresh will be entitled to subsistence allowance during the suspension period as per Rule 55, Part I of the Kerala Service Rules (KSR).

Officials said that the State Police Chief will soon recommend a panel of senior officers to conduct the inquiry.

Disciplinary action, if proven, could range from withholding increments to dismissal from service.

The incident has triggered concern in the police department, as it involved a senior officer holding a critical assignment during the visit of one of the country's highest-ranking leaders.

Senior officials said that the police force will review security protocols to prevent such breaches in the future.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While what he did was wrong, I hope they also look into whether there were any underlying issues like work pressure or personal problems. Police officers face tremendous stress, but security of VVIPs cannot be compromised.
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Michael C
As someone who has worked in security, this is a massive breach. The fact that it happened during Amit Shah's visit makes it even more serious. Proper disciplinary action must be taken to set an example.
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Shreya B
This incident shows we need better mental health support for our police force. But at the same time, such senior officers should know better than to report drunk for VVIP duty. What if something had happened? 😟
A
Aditya G
The prompt action by the department is commendable. They detected it immediately and took him off duty. This shows the system works when it needs to. Hope the inquiry is fair and transparent.
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Nisha Z
This is really embarrassing for Kerala police. We expect better from our officers, especially when they're protecting our national leaders. Hope this serves as a lesson for everyone in uniform.

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