At the monthly parade of nearly 1,200 police personnel at the City Police Armed Reserve Grounds on Thursday, City Police Commissioner A.K. Viswanathan was all praise for the force for their sincerity in averting communal trouble. He also gave them a word of advice, asking them to refrain from consuming liquor.
The Commissioner said everyone in the force stood up for the call of duty.
He mentioned the recent group clash in the first two weeks of November which could have turned into a communal flare-up but for some prompt and swift action by the police.
However, Mr.Viswanathan also expressed concern at some in the police force taking to liquor. He said that alcoholism was bringing disrepute to the force and was unacceptable.
All were equal before law and the men in uniform cannot enjoy any exception, he said. In the event of anyone being found drunk, he would have to face arrest and suspension, he warned.
The Commissioner’s advice gained significance in the wake of a series of disciplinary actions initiated against a few Special Sub-Inspectors, an inspector and some head constables for being drunk while on duty. Mr.Viswanathan is scheduled to address the remaining 1,000 police personnel on Friday.
Meanwhile, intelligence sleuths of the city police are on the job of preparing a list of police personnel, who are in the habit of consuming liquor, and turning up for work in an inebriated condition.
