Kerala State Police Chief Anil Kant ordered the removal of the suspended Station House Officer (SHO) of Beypore PR Sunu from service for being a “bad character”.
He is accused in six criminal cases and also faced a short jail term.
He was dismissed from service by evoking section 86(1) of the Kerala Police Act, which is being used for the first time in the state.
According to Section 86(1), a police personnel involved in criminal cases would be suspended from service. The rule also stipulates that the officers should be dismissed from service if found to be guilty.
The move comes in the wake of a strong directive from the state government to take action “against criminals” in the police force, a statement issued by the State Police Media Cell said.
The Station House Officer was suspended in November last year based on a report filed by the Ernakulam City Police Commissioner CH Nagaraju stating that Sunu has connections with allegedly undesirable elements.
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Accused in six criminal cases
The former Circle Inspector was accused in six criminal cases of which four are related to assault on women, and has faced departmental action 15 times, according to reports. He has also served a prison sentence of six months.
Thrikkakara Police, in Ernakulam District, had late last year registered a rape case against Sunu and six others on a complaint by a woman. He was taken into custody on 13 November in connection with the case.
However, no arrest was recorded due to lack of evidence against him, police had said back then.
Sunu was summoned by the DGP to give his statement. However, he did not turn up citing medical reasons. The decision to dismiss him was taken after a video conference held on 5 January.
