KOCHI: Circle Inspector Francis Shelby, who is attached to the Ernakulam Central police station, is likely to face disciplinary action in a case related to the illegal demolition of a building.
A preliminary inquiry conducted by the Special Branch revealed that the CI had prior knowledge about the incident in which a building was demolished illegally at MG Road on October 16.
A report prepared by the district unit of the Special Branch in connection with the incident has recommended action against the Circle Inspector.
Shelby, who went on leave after the reports surfaced, is learnt to have been maintaining contact with the accused before and after the incident.
Speaking to ‘Express’, Kochi City Police Commissioner M P Dinesh said he was yet to receive the report from the Special Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is the investigation officer.
“I think the officer would submit the report on Monday. Once I receive the report, I will forward it to the Director General of Police for further action,” said Dinesh. When asked whether the Circle Inspector had anything to do with the demolition, the Commissioner said the matter needed a comprehensive inquiry, and that the report was expected to contain the details.
Meanwhile, Special Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police Babukumar K G said submission of the report would likely be delayed by a day as he would be busy with court assignments.
“I like to say that the report is comprehensive in nature,” said Babukumar. According to Special Branch insiders, the Circle Inspector played a key role in the demolition incident, and is facing disciplinary action for the same.
It was on October 16 that a group of persons, posing as workers of the Kochi Metro Rail, demolished a portion of the building at M G Road that housed Hotel Sapphire.
It was found that the demolition was carried out with the knowledge of its owner Khadar Pillai.
So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.