THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Crime Branch IG E J Jayaraj, who is accused of travelling in his official vehicle after drinking liquor, is likely to be suspended by the government. On Friday, State Police Chief Loknath Behera gave a report to Home Secretary Subrata Biswas, recommending strong action against the IG who misused his official powers and vehicle. The DGP’s report was based on the report submitted by Kollam Rural SP B Asokan. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also reportedly censured Jayaraj on Friday and he also hinted of action.
Sources in the Home Department said the suspension of the IG was under the active consideration of the government. Sources also said the Home Secretary had given a report to the Chief Minister to take action against him and the suspension order was likely to be issued on Monday. The incident took place last Wednesday at Anchal in Kollam district when Jayaraj and his driver Santhosh were found drunk inside the car after the local police were alerted when the vehicle was moving recklessly. The police found the car which was parked beside a road at Thadikkad near Anchal.
Following that, they found that the driver and the officer were in an inebriated condition. The driver was too drunk to move the car, the police said. Later, the police took the vehicle to the station and shifted the IG to the SP office. The police also registered a case against the driver on charges of drink driving after conducting a medical examination. It is learnt from the police the IG was returning to Thiruvananthapuram after reportedly attending a party organised by his friend.
According to the DGP’s report, Jayaraj had misused the official vehicle and power and it was unprecedented on the part of a top police officer in the state. However, the government is yet to take action.The driver has been suspended pending inquiry by City Police Commissioner P Prakash. The driver, Santhosh, was attached to the City Armed Reserve Police camp. He has been charged for drunken driving by the Anchal police
The Home Department on Saturday ordered the transfer of two police officers of Superintendent ranks. K M Sabu Mathew, who was waiting for a posting, has been transferred as SP Crime Branch CID, Ernakulam, while K K Aji, who was also waiting for a posting, has been transferred as Assistant Director, Kerala Police Academy.