Senior IPS officer Rishiraj Singh has been served a showcause notice by the Home Department for failing to salute the state’s home minister Ramesh Chennithala at a function recently.
The notice was reportedly issued on the instructions of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and seeks an explanation from Singh for his behaviour.
At a passing out parade of women police personnel at Thrissur on July 11, the 1985 batch IPS officer has not saluted Chennithala, who himself said he had no complaints despite the CM taking a serious view of the incident.
As soon as the minister reached the venue, all the cops present on the dias stood up to receive and salute him. However, ADGP Rishiraj Singh, in-charge of the Armed Forces Battalion continued to be seated on a sofa.
However, Singh later dismissed reports of his lack of respect as ‘baseless’.
We were guests…as per protocol, those sitting in the gallery for watching the parade are supposed to stand only when the national anthem is played. Otherwise we are supposed to sit till the VVIP leaves,” Singh said while justifying his behaviour. Singh alleged that the minister had entered from the back side at the venue and thus, he failed to acknowledge his presence.
A few days ago, Singh had greeted Chennithala with folded hands at another function.
