Rajendran reportedly made fun of a Christian song shared in the group. He also criticised Christianity and Islam, comparing them to Hinduism.
Published Aug 08, 2023 | 12:45 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 08, 2023 | 12:37 PM
The inspector was making pro-Hindutva statements on the WhatsApp group via voice notes. (Commons)
An inspector attached to the Chennai City Police has been suspended for making communal remarks on a WhatsApp group.
According to the police, P Rajendran, an Inspector of Police (1999 batch officer) was suspended for sending voice notes with communal overtones in a WhatsApp group.
Rajendran was attached to the traffic investigation wing of the Pulianthope Police Station in Chennai.
One member of the WhatsApp group, Christopher, who is a retired Special Sub Inspector (SSI), posted Christian spiritual songs in it.
Rajendran advised Christopher not to post such religious messages in the group.
He also reportedly made fun of the song, asking whether it was possible for a lame person to walk. He also criticised Christianity and Islam and compared them to Hinduism.
The police said that he conversed in the group through voice messages, wherein a particular voice note made pro-Hindutva statements.
He said that they demolished a mosque and built a temple over it, and that they would continue to do so.
“Indians will worship at temples, do pujas, we will install Sengol in the Parliament. If you can, try and stop us. Christians and Muslims can try to stop us. If you can’t bear with us, then go to Pakistan or Saudi or anywhere. This is Rama Rajyam,” the cop was heard saying in one of the voice notes.
He also warned that if any Christian or Muslim songs are posted, he would post Hindu spiritual songs in the group.
The voice note was shared widely with a footnote that it was from a police officer and that it questioned the neutrality of the uniformed services to all people.
The circulated audio clip was brought to the knowledge of Chennai City Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore.
He deputed Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) NM Mayilvahanan to conduct an inquiry and submit a report.
Inspector of Police, placed under suspension for sharing objectionable religious opinion on social media.
மதரீதியாக சமூக வலைதளத்தில் கருத்து தெரிவித்த காவல் ஆய்வாளர் தற்காலிக பணி நீக்கம்.
— GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) August 7, 2023
After an inquiry, JCP Mayilvahanan confirmed the incident with the inspector and other members of the WhatsApp group.
Based on the report, CP Rathore suspended Inspector Rajendran for violating the Tamil Nadu Police Subordinate Services (Discipline) Rules. A full-fledged departmental inquiry is underway.
