Thiruvananthapuram: The Home Department on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to ADGP (Armed Police Battalions) Rishiraj Singh in connection with the July 11 incident when he remained seated as Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala arrived on the stage to preside over the passing-out parade of women constables at the Police Academy in Thrissur.
The notice, issued on the directions of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, seeks to know why action should not be taken against Mr Singh for the protocol violation and disrespecting the Home Minister. The officer has been asked to reply at the earliest. The action, if any, against the officer would be decided after the reply. The notice followed DGP T P Senkumar’s report to Home Secretary Nalini Netto on July 17. On July 14, Ms Netto directed Mr Senkumar to look into the issue and file a report.
The Home Department swung into action after Mr Chandy criticised the officer harshly at UDF legislature party meeting. He said that by disrespecting the Home Minister, Mr Singh had committed a mistake but his explanation justifying the act was a bigger mistake. Even though Mr Singh had given an explanation to DGP, Mr Chennithala and called on Mr Chandy on July 14 to explain his side of the story, the government seems unconvinced.
The notice indicates prima facie evidence to initiate action. After going through the DGP’s report, Ms Netto has forwarded it to Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson for further action. Mr Singh maintained that he had only followed the protocol by remaining seated during the arrival of the VIP. He said on such occasions all those sitting should remain seated and uniformed officers should stand up and salute when the national anthem is played.
