Kochi: In a UDF Parliamentary meeting, chief minister Oommen Chandy stated “suitable action” would be taken against senior IPS officer Rishiraj Singh, who presumably refused to acknowledge Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala at a function, and even failed to salute him. He said the ADGP had not only failed to salute the Minister, but his explanation for his behaviour wasn't acceptable either.
The incident occurred when the Home Minister arrived to attend the passing out parade of women police personnel at the Police Academy in Thrissur. ADGP Rishiraj Singh, in charge of special services and traffic, was seated on a sofa and continued to do so, failing to proceed to welcome the minister or salute him. The minister did not react during the event but later told reporters, “I have no complaint against anyone in this regard. It is for the DGP to probe if his behaviour violated protocol.”
“The Facebook and Whatsapp postings are creating confusion among the public. When we are sitting on the dais facing the parade, the Minister entered from behind. How will we see a person who is behind us? At the parade we are supposed to get up only when the national anthem is played,” Singh quoted in his defence.
