Suspended Kerala cop says he is being singled out

KOCHI - An inspector general of police from Kerala who has been suspended for allegedly going abroad without government authorization Thursday complained that he was being singled out.

Tomin J. Thachenkery filed an affidavit with the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) claiming that while he was punished, other officers in similar circumstances had been let off easily.

He mentioned in his affidavit the names of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer R. Sreelekha and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer P.C. Sanil Kumar.

According to him, while Sreelekha went abroad without permission on two occasions, Sanil Kumar did so thrice.

“But they gave a written apology and were let off without any action. Sreelekha’s trip cost the state exchequer a loss of Rs.67,349 and still no action was taken,” the affidavit read.

He also named four other officials who he said had gone without taking permission of the state government.

Thachenkery was suspended last week after Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan found out that he had gone abroad. An inquiry determined he had gone to the Middle East.

Thachenkery approached the CAT last week, complaining he was being singled out due to the faction feud in the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist.

His petition is slated to come up for hearing Friday.