IPS officer Rishiraj Singh transferred with his consent: Kerala minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Setting at rest speculation about the transfer of ADGP Rishiraj Singh who had courted controversy for not saluting Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Assembly was on Tuesday informed that the officer had been transfered after he expressed willingness to go back to police force.

Power Minister Aryadan Muhammed on Tuesday said the ADGP, who was Kerala State Electricity Board's Chief Vigilance Officer, was transferred to the police department after his consent was sought. Singh, who was reportedly unhappy over his recent appointment as ADGP of Armed Forces Battalion, had courted controversy after he allegedly showed "disrespect" to the Home Minister by failing to salute him at a function in Thrissur. It was widely speculated that the police officer was peeved on being shifted from KSEB.

Muhammed, replying to a question in the Assembly in connection with KSEB and power production in the state, said the IPS officer was informed about his transfer and he had no objection in going back to police.

The minister also dismissed allegations by opposition members that Singh, known for his stern actions against corruption, was removed after he had detected a huge power theft by a business group having alleged links with some ruling party members.

Singh himself had recently dismissed the charges saying that he was inducted into the police department with his consent.