Thiruvananthapuram: Alappuzha Crime Branch DySP MG Sabu, who attended a party hosted by goon leader in Puliyanam near Angamaly, has been suspended. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier directed the State Police Chief to suspend the erring officer from service.
Three other policemen, including the DySP's driver and two personnel from the Armed Reserve Camp who were caught with Sabu in a raid at the goon's home, had already been suspended.
This disciplinary action against Sabu comes days before his retirement from service on May 31. The suspension order said Sabu's action amounted to a severe violation of discipline and tarnished the reputation of the entire police force. It further pointed out that the official's action 'undermined the efforts initiated by the police in maintaining law and order.' His presence at the feast also created the impression that an officer responsible for protecting the public was instead helping the goons, the order added.
The DySP, along with three other police officials, was found accepting the hospitality of the notorious goon Thammanam Faisal (MJ Faisal, 46) at his residence in Kattuchira in Puliyanam, Angamaly, during a raid on Sunday. The police officers had arrived at the goon's residence in the evening while returning from a tour to Masinagudi, organised as part of the DySP's retirement.
Upon noticing the police team, the DySP hid in the washroom. The raid was carried out as part of Operation AAG (Action Against Goons), a drive to check the rise in goon activities in the state.
The policemen, who were suspended along with Sabu, claimed that they went along with their senior because the DySP claimed that he was taking them to an actor's house.
But Sabu is learnt to have told his superiors that he took them to Faisal's house because the three officers wanted to meet the goon.
