Kochi/ Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has suspended Assistant Commandant S Suresh of the Kerala Armed Police (KAP) Battalion after he was found intoxicated while on security duty during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent two-day visit to Kerala.

According to a special report submitted by the State Police Chief to the Home Department, Suresh’s conduct amounted to a serious breach of discipline, dereliction of duty, and gross irresponsibility—particularly during a high-security assignment of national importance.

The incident happened on August 21, when Suresh was assigned as Officer-in-Charge at the business jet terminal and safe house at the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery. He appeared for duty in an inebriated state and was immediately relieved of his responsibilities. A subsequent medical examination at Angamaly Taluk Hospital, followed by a chemical analysis, confirmed the presence of ethyl alcohol in his blood.

Following the inquiry, the State Police Chief recommended his immediate suspension for performing plainclothes security duty under the influence of alcohol during Shah’s visit.

The State Home Department, after examining the report, found prima facie evidence of grave misconduct and indiscipline. Suresh will now also face an oral inquiry under the Kerala Police Departmental Inquiries, Punishment and Appeal Rules, 1958 (KPDIP&A Rules).

However, he will be eligible for subsistence allowance as per Rule 55, Part I of the Kerala Service Rules (KSR). The State Police Chief will also recommend a panel of competent officers to conduct the departmental inquiry.