Onam reels by accused: Seven Museum Police personnel transferred to AR Camp

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Seven police personnel attached to the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, have been transferred to the Armed Reserve (AR) Camp in connection with alleged negligence in warning or preventing the accused in the case involving the alleged assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials from shooting reels and engaging in celebratory activities in front of the police station.

City Police Commissioner Arul R.B. Krishna denied reports that the accused had participated in the police station’s Onam celebrations or had been invited by the police.

Around 25 of the accused, including former CPI(M) Corporation councillor I.P. Binu, are required to report to the police station every Saturday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. as part of their bail conditions. Four of the accused also had to be questioned in detail. While waiting for these procedures to be completed, some of the accused used the Onam swing set up in front of the police station and played the chenda .

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shahansha K.S. will conduct a detailed inquiry to determine whether further action should be taken against the transferred personnel. Pending the inquiry, the officers will remain at the AR Camp and undergo training, the Commissioner said.

Responding to allegations regarding the role of Museum Station House Officer R. Prasanth, the Commissioner said the preliminary inquiry found that the SHO was not present at the station during the incident, as he had obtained permission to visit a hospital. Any other allegations against the SHO would also be examined by the DCP.

The Museum SHO has been directed to approach the court seeking the cancellation of bail granted to at least two of the accused, including Mr. Binu, for allegedly violating their bail conditions by participating in the celebrations.

The Commissioner said that filming reels and sharing them on social media created the impression that the accused enjoyed the goodwill of the police, which could influence witnesses.

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