Two cops suspended in Kochi; One for drug links, another for sexual misconduct during passport verification

Kochi: In two separate but serious disciplinary actions within Ernakulam district, the police department has suspended two Civil Police Officers (CPOs) - one for alleged negligence and suspected links to a drug haul in Perumbavoor, and another for alleged sexual misconduct during passport verification duties in Palluruthy. Departmental and criminal investigations have been initiated in both cases.

In the first case, District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) M Hemalatha has suspended CPO KA Subeer, attached to the Kalady police station, following an internal inquiry related to a large ganja seizure in Perumbavoor.

The action stems from an incident in September 2025, when the Perumbavoor police seized 9.5 kilograms of ganja from a building in Bhai Colony, Kandanthara, near Vengoor. "The property from which the contraband was recovered is registered in the name of Subeer's mother. A preliminary inquiry found that Subeer, despite being a police officer, had shown a serious lack of vigilance in monitoring illegal activities taking place on the building's premises, prompting his suspension. The Rural SP has also ordered a detailed departmental inquiry against him," said Kalady police sources.

Allegations against Subeer, however, extend beyond this single seizure. In September, Excise officials led by Kunnathunad Excise Circle Inspector recovered 66 grams of heroin from another house in Bhai Colony. In connection with the case, the excise also arrested a woman named Karottukudi Saleena Aliyar (52). During the raid, officials also seized ₹9.33 lakh in cash and a currency-counting machine from the premises.

Following this, accusations surfaced that the drug trade in the area was being carried out with Subeer's knowledge and tacit support. There were also allegations that Selena was Sabeer's associate in the drug sales. Office-bearers of the Progressive Workers Organisation (PWO), an NGO working among inter-state migrant labourers, stated that they had earlier lodged complaints against Subeer. According to them, the subsequent inspections based on these complaints led to the police and excise seizures.

"Multiple complaints have been filed against Subeer as he has close connections with the drug sales happening here. We have filed complaints to the Chief Minister's Office and the State Police Chief. I believe the action against Subeer has been taken now based on those complaints," said George Mathew, PWO Chairperson.

According to the police and excise, Bhai Colony is known for housing a large population of inter-state migrant workers. Investigations revealed that heroin sales were being conducted under the guise of a grocery shop in the area. The drug was reportedly sourced from Assam, repackaged into small sachets locally, and distributed for sale. The racket allegedly used even minor migrant workers for peddling.

Sexual misconduct during passport verification
In the second case, CPO Vijesh of the Palluruthy police station has been suspended pending investigation for allegedly misbehaving with a young woman during passport verification. 

According to the case registered at Harbour Police Station, the incident occurred on January 5. Vijesh contacted a young woman, a native of Palluruthy, in connection with her passport application. Instead of conducting verification at her residence as per standard procedure, he allegedly asked her to meet him in person. He directed her to come to the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) Avenue walkway, close to the Thoppumpady bridge.

When the woman reached the location, Vijesh allegedly instructed her to get into his car parked nearby. "The complainant alleged that Vijesh tried to sexually assault her inside the vehicle. The woman filed a formal complaint the following day. Based on her complaint, we registered a case against him for outraging the modesty of a woman," said Harbour police sources. 

Confirming the suspension, the Kochi City Police Deputy Commissioner, Juvvanapudi Mahesh, said that the officer's conduct amounted to an insult to the dignity of a woman. "He has been placed under suspension on Tuesday night itself. An official order will be released today. A departmental inquiry has been ordered against Vijesh to determine further disciplinary action," the officer said.