Thiruvananthapuram, 25 August (H.S.): Seven officers attached to the Museum police station have been transferred to the Armed Reserve camp as disciplinary action over the participation of two accused in Onam celebrations on station premises.

The action followed a preliminary investigation by the Special Branch into the incident, which triggered controversy after videos filmed by one of the accused, I.P. Binu, circulated on social media. Binu and another accused, Nithinraj, are facing charges in connection with an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials.

The videos showed Binu riding a swing and posing for photographs during the festivities outside the police station. His shirt also matched the colour of the attire worn by the police personnel, prompting allegations that officers had purchased and provided the clothes to him. However, the preliminary inquiry found no evidence supporting the allegation.

Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner and DIG Arul R.B. Krishna said no wrongdoing had been established against Circle Inspector Prasanth. The officer was unwell and had officially informed his superiors that he was not in charge when the celebrations were planned.

However, the other officers failed to stop the accused from participating in the event despite noticing their presence. The Commissioner described their conduct as improper, saying accused persons should not have been allowed to join celebrations on police station premises.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shahansha K.S. will conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The probe will examine whether any police personnel helped the accused participate in the celebrations or played a role in accommodating them during the festivities.

Meanwhile, the police have approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-III in Thiruvananthapuram seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Binu and Nithinraj. The Special Public Prosecutor alleged that their participation in the celebrations violated bail conditions imposed by the Kerala High Court.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman