T’puram: City police suspended two personnel in the capital district for serious misconduct, including dereliction of duty and aiding a criminal in custody.In the first case, Kovalam station sub-inspector Sathi Kumar was suspended after he was allegedly found consuming alcohol while on election duty. The incident came to light when a senior officer reported his behaviour, prompting immediate departmental action. Election duty is considered a high-responsibility assignment, and officials said strict adherence to conduct rules is mandatory during such deployments. The suspension was issued pending further inquiry into the matter. In another incident, a senior civil police officer, Sreekumar, attached to Pettah police station, was placed under suspension for allegedly assisting a 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 drive conducted by police and was in custody in connection with multiple cases, including an attempted murder charge. Sources said the officer’s action amounted to a grave breach of custodial protocol and could potentially compromise ongoing investigations. The incident reportedly occurred while Rajesh was lodged at the Pettah station following his arrest last month. Police authorities also initiated an oral inquiry against two other civil police officers at the station, who are suspected of having knowledge of or involvement in the act. Their role is currently under scrutiny. Senior officials stated that strict action would be taken against any personnel found violating service rules, particularly in cases involving custody and election duties. The back-to-back suspensions have once again highlighted the need for tighter internal monitoring and enforcement of discipline within the force.
