ASI Suspended for Leaking Information to KAAPA Accused for Money
PATHANAMTHITTA: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) has been suspended in connection with allegations of leaking confidential information, including to an accused in a Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) case, in exchange for money. The suspended officer has been identified as ASI Binukumar, who was serving at the Thiruvalla Police Station. His suspension is pending a detailed investigation into the matter.
The primary finding against ASI Binukumar is that he divulged sensitive details, including information from remand reports, in a manner designed to assist the accused in securing bail even before they were presented in court. The suspension order was issued by DIG Ajitha Beegum following the discovery of this grave misconduct.
The incident came to light during a case involving a brawl at a bar, where the accused were apprehended in Bengaluru. Upon their presentation in court, two copies of the remand report were to be submitted. Traditionally, a copy of the remand report is handed over to the defense counsel only after the court proceedings have concluded. However, it was discovered that one of the remand reports went missing as soon as the accused were brought to court. Subsequent investigation revealed that ASI Binukumar had provided a copy of the remand report to the accused’s lawyer even before the court proceedings began.
Initially, following the incident, the ASI was transferred to the AR Camp. Further investigations confirmed that Binukumar had accepted money from the defense lawyer in exchange for leaking this crucial information. Binukumar, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, is now facing a more extensive inquiry. Further disciplinary actions will be determined only after the completion of this detailed investigation, which will be conducted by the Konni DySP.