Traffic SI Suspended for Inaugurating Road on MLA’s Instruction in Muvattupuzha

Muvattupuzha: A Traffic Sub-Inspector (SI) has been suspended for inaugurating a newly tarred road in Muvattupuzha, allegedly at the instruction of a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). The suspended officer, K.P. Siddique, who serves as the Traffic SI in Muvattupuzha, was ordered to suspension by DIG S. Satheesh Bino. The action comes after SI Siddique opened the road for public traffic following directions from MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan.

The suspension order cites serious dereliction of duty, specifically highlighting SI Siddique’s participation in and unofficial performance of the inauguration ceremony of an incomplete road without obtaining the necessary permission from higher authorities.

The road in question is the MC Road, which had been closed for 151 days as part of urban development projects. After the completion of its tarring, the road was opened for vehicles. The ceremony saw SI Siddique cutting the ribbon to mark the resumption of traffic, in the presence of MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Municipal Chairman P.P. Eldose. Reports indicate that the SI initially showed reluctance but proceeded with the ceremony following the MLA’s instructions.

The DIG’s suspension order explicitly states that opening the road without proper authorization and participating in the ceremony without orders from superiors constitute a clear violation of existing rules. The decision to suspend SI Siddique was made after reviewing reports submitted by the Law and Order DCP, Kochi City Traffic, and the Rural Special Branch. Furthermore, a complaint filed by the CPM Area Committee to the Chief Minister regarding the incident was also considered.

In response to the suspension, MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan has publicly alleged that the action against the SI is an act of political vendetta. He clarified that there was no official inauguration of the road, but rather a temporary resumption of traffic to alleviate congestion. However, the Public Works Department has issued a statement clarifying that permission for any official inauguration was not granted because the road construction work was not yet fully completed.