State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar has ordered an investigation into a complaint filed by two women sub-inspectors against a senior IPS officer. The complaint was initially lodged with DIG Ajitha Beegum. The statements from the complainants were recorded and the matter was subsequently forwarded to the police headquarters (PHQ). The DGP told Onmanorama that the complaint has been received and is being probed by the ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) of the PHQ.

According to police sources, the complaint falls under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. Since the complainants function outside the Thiruvananthapuram district, the case was forwarded to the police headquarters.

Merin Joseph, AIG (Policy), has been assigned to lead the probe and is expected to submit a report. When contacted, Merin Joseph told Onmanorama that she was not authorised to comment on the matter, as the complaint is highly confidential. Police officials have kept a tight lid on the details of the complaint and the identity of the senior officer.

Sources revealed that the complaint alleges that the IPS officer sent inappropriate and objectionable messages to the women officials. A preliminary hearing was conducted by DIG Ajitha Beegum, during which the complainants reiterated their allegations. However, no FIR has been registered yet.

In response, the IPS officer has denied the allegations, claiming that the complaint is fabricated.