Why Were Six Kerala Police Officers Suspended for Drinking?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 27 (NationPress) Six officers from the Kazhakkoottam Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram were suspended after an incident of public alcohol consumption that has caused considerable embarrassment to the police force and raised significant concerns among senior officials.
The officers in question have been mandated to attend a good conduct training program, as stated by officials.
This disciplinary action follows the emergence of footage showing the officers drinking alcohol while seated inside a car, which subsequently went viral.
Upon discovery, senior officials promptly initiated an investigation, leading to the suspension order issued on Tuesday.
The viral footage, shared amongst higher police authorities, depicts the officers in civilian attire consuming alcohol inside a parked vehicle near the Kazhakkoottam police station.
This particular police station is located within the highly regarded Technopark area.
A preliminary inquiry launched immediately after the footage surfaced deemed the incident a “serious lapse” and an act that is “entirely unacceptable” for active police personnel.
The inquiry report indicates that the officers were on duty when the incident occurred, increasing the severity of their actions.
According to the findings, the incident took place around 11 a.m. on Monday.
Reportedly, the officers had left the police station under the pretense of attending a wedding.
However, the inquiry concluded that regardless of the stated intention, consuming alcohol during duty hours in a public area constitutes gross indiscipline and a breach of service regulations.
The preliminary inquiry was conducted by the Kazhakkoottam Assistant Commissioner of Police, who then submitted a comprehensive report to the City Police Commissioner, prompting immediate disciplinary measures.
Sources indicate that the footage was captured by a bystander who noticed the unusual behavior and discreetly recorded the scene before sending it to higher police authorities.
The rapid dissemination of the footage led to swift action from police leadership.
Senior officials affirmed that the department will not tolerate any behavior that erodes public confidence in the police force.
Further departmental actions are anticipated, along with a thorough investigation.