Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Government Chief Whip P.C. George have locked horns over the latter’s allegation that State Police Chief K.S. Balasubramanian had intervened in the investigation into the fatal assault on Chandrabose, a security guard in Thrissur, by controversial businessman Mohamed Nisham, to save the accused.
Mr. George fired the first salvo accusing the State Police Chief of having gone to Thrissur to see to it that the investigation went in favour of the accused and that the investigators did not interrogate his wife.
He also alleged that the former Thrissur Commissioner of Police Jacob Job was replaced with former Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) R. Nishanthini only to influence the investigation.
“Have proof”
Several officers had taken money to save the accused; he said and offered to handover evidence to prove his charges to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister.
Reacting sharply to the Chief Whip’s accusation at a news conference here on Thursday, Mr. Chennithala said the government had full faith in the State Police Chief.
Police Meet
Mr. Balasubramanian had gone to Thrissur as instructed by him. He was there primarily to attend the Police Meet and had used the occasion to review the progress of investigation with the ADGP, IG, and other officers.
Mr. Balasubramanian had also handed over to him a note stating that he had not tried in any way to influence the investigation and that there would be no attempt to divert the focus of the investigation.
Officer of integrity
Mr. Balasubramanian is an officer of proven integrity and credibility and the government saw no reason to disbelieve him, Mr. Chennithala said. The Home Minister, however, offered to consider any evidence the Chief Whip might have to prove that it was not so. He did not wish to see any ulterior motive in Mr. George’s allegation.
Mr. George had spoken to him over the phone and said he had evidence to prove his charge against the State Police Chief. He had told him to hand over any evidence that he has, Mr. Chennithala said.
P.C. George has alleged that the State Police Chief has intervened in the Chandrabose murder case probe.