KOZHIKODE: In a tragic turn of events, the police officer, who had been suspended for posting obscene photos on a Whatsapp group, committed suicide on Friday. Police officers said, A P Shaji, 33, senior civil police officer with Nadakkavu police, Valanchathu, Nirmallur, Balussery ended his life allegedly owing to the mental trauma following the disciplinary action against him. The body was found hanging at his house on Friday evening.
Earlier, City Police Commissioner P A Valsan had issued orders to suspend the officer pending inquiry based on the complaint lodged by Raju Menon, who is the admin of the whatsapp group in which the picture had been shared by the cop. Commissioner had sought a report in this regard and Assistant Commissioner, Special Branch, P T Balan had submitted it after conducting a preliminary inquiry. Following this, the officer was placed under suspension on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Shaji informed the officers, during the probe, that the obscene photos were sent to him by a parent, who took it from the mobile phone of his son. In order to inform this to senior officials and other parents he shared the post. However, by mistake, it was posted on ‘Our Responsibility Children’ group which comprises 90 members including top cops and judges. The admin of the group lodged a complaint before the police.’Our Responsibility Children’ is an initiative commenced by Kozhikode City Police in order to curb juvenile crimes and to deal other issues related to the children.
Shaji has been associated with Student Police Cadet activities and has good service record. He is survived by wife Manju and sons Abhinav and Ananthu.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed on the premises of the residence of the deceased as local people demanded intervention of District Collector N Prasanth in the issue. The protest of local residents continued till midnight.