In a major embarrassment to the State Police, a senior police officer was on Monday allegedly caught cheating while appearing for a law examination.
Inspector General of Police (Thrissur Range) T.J. Jose was caught copying by the invigilator at St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery, about half an hour into the annual LLM examination in the off-campus mode. “The candidate was writing his LLM annual examination on Constitutional Law and was found carrying photocopies of the subject text. Following this, the external examiner was immediately called in but he sought to deny the charges when confronted,’’ said college vice principal Peter V.J.
Mr. Jose later left the examination hall following a directive issued by Fr. Felix Chackalackal, manager of the institution. Interestingly, the invigilators had no clue that the candidate was a top-ranking officer.
Based on the incident, the college authorities have sent a report to the Controller of Examinations, Mahatma Gandhi University, seeking action against the candidate for malpractices. “Before leaving the hall, he forcibly took the paper pieces confiscated from him,’’ sources said.
Denies charge Mr. Jose, however, denied the charges and said nothing was seized from his custody as alleged by the examination staff. “I wrote the examination like everyone and went out of the classroom only after completing the examination. If they have seized any incriminating material from my possession, they should produce it in front of authorities. I suspect it’s part of a conspiracy to malign my reputation and thereby the Kerala Police,” he told mediapersons.
He rubbished the reports that he was earlier caught for the same offence and had escaped unpunished after tendering an apology. Following the incident, Director General of Police K.S. Balasubramaniam ordered a preliminary probe. “I have sought a report on the incident and Additional Director General of Police N. Shankar Reddy will investigate,’’ the DGP told The Hindu over phone.
Debarred from exams Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi University barred Mr. Jose from attending the rest of the examinations, a press note said. Deputy Registrar A.C. Babu will inquire the issue.
Asked to go on leave Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala asked Mr. Jose to go on leave immediately. According to Mr. Chennithala’s office, the Minister termed the episode as one which lowered the esteem of the police and government in public eye. He ordered Suresh Raj Purohit to assume charge as IG, Thrissur Range.
