Kochi: A police officer has been suspended in Kerala on charges of sexually assaulting a woman who was taken into custody for prostitution.
Umesh A, serving as deputy SP of Vatakara, Kozhikode rural, was placed under suspension with immediate effect by the Home department on the recommendation of the state police chief following an inquiry, reported PTI.
An internal inquiry revealed that Umesh, while serving as inspector of police at Vadakkenchery PS in Palakkad, had misused his official position by sexually exploiting the woman and taking bribes from individuals involved in the immoral activity.
The sexual abuse came to light after police recovered the suicide note of Cherpulassery station house officer Binu Thomas, who was found dead on November 15.
A Kerala government order, shared by the CMO, said that a special report forwarded by the state police chief flagged “indisciplined, immoral and illegal activities” by the officer which had tarnished the image of the entire police force.
The report prima facie revealed grave misconduct, indiscipline, abuse of power, immoral and illegal activities by the deputy SP.
“Under the circumstances, Umesh A, deputy SP, is suspended from service with immediate effect pending disciplinary action,” the order said.
The state police chief has been asked to submit a panel of competent officers to be appointed as inquiry personnel to conduct an oral inquiry.
