Civil Police Officer in Kozhikode suspended for 'misusing’ official position during spa visit

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A Civil Police Officer attached to the Kodenchery police station has been placed under suspension over allegations that he misused his official position during a visit to a spa at Adivaram, near Thamarassery, in Kozhikode district, Keralam.

K. Muhammed Fazil, the accused, was suspended by District Police Chief (Kozhikode Rural) Chief Merin Joseph as part of the preliminary disciplinary proceedings. A detailed inquiry is also underway into the incident, with the Peruvannamuzhi police inspector entrusted with the investigation to check whether there were any other irregularities and whether Mr. Fazil had allegedly acted in a similar manner at other establishments.

According to the preliminary findings, the incident took place on August 14, when Mr. Fazil, who was reportedly in plain clothes, visited the spa, claiming that he had come to check whether any illegal activities were taking place there.The inquiry reportedly found that he availed the spa services without payment. He is also alleged to have subsequently asked for money, saying that it was to be handed over to a superior officer for permitting the uninterrupted operation of the spa.

The internal investigation team also collected the statement of a woman spa employee who reportedly handed over the money sought by Mr. Fazil, which had been kept in a drawer at the spa.

Police sources said the allegations came to the authorities’ notice following a complaint filed by the spa owners. The preliminary investigation also found that the spa was outside the jurisdiction of Mr. Fazil’s police station.

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