A Grade Sub-Inspector attached to the Thodupuzha police station in Kerala’s Idukki district has been suspended for allegedly sharing a social media post containing derogatory remarks targeting the Muslim community.
The officer, identified as K Vijesh, was suspended on August 28 following an inquiry ordered by Idukki District Police Chief A Naseem.
Officer shared video of pookkalam
According to The Hindu, Vijesh shared a video on Facebook that purportedly showed a young woman wearing a hijab kicking and damaging an Onam pookkalam, or floral carpet.
The video had circulated on social media with claims that the incident took place in Ernakulam district. The post shared by Vijesh reportedly claimed that the pookkalam was initially believed to have been damaged by a dog, but that CCTV footage later showed otherwise. The accompanying remarks allegedly targeted Muslims.
The video was also shared by other social media accounts in a misleading context, according to a complaint filed against the officer.
Muslim Youth League complaint
The Thodupuzha Assembly constituency committee of the Muslim Youth League approached the police and alleged that Vijesh’s post promoted communal hatred and insulted the Muslim community.
Following the complaint, the District Police Chief directed the Thodupuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police to conduct an inquiry.
Based on the findings, Vijesh was placed under suspension.
The suspension order noted that an internal verification had confirmed that the officer had shared the derogatory post. “This is a serious violation on his part, and such an act damages the reputation of the police force,” the order stated, according to The Hindu.
Departmental inquiry ordered
A detailed departmental inquiry has also been initiated against Vijesh. The Munnar Deputy Superintendent of Police has been assigned to conduct the probe and submit a report within three months.
The suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of the departmental inquiry.
The District Police Chief said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
