SENIOR COP’S DAUGHTER ‘BEATS UP’ DRIVER, CM ORDERS PROBE

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A police driver working with the Kerala additional director general of police Sudesh Kumar was admitted to a hospital after he was allegedly beaten up by the daughter of the senior official.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the incident ‘serious’ and ordered a probe after the victim’s wife petitioned him, saying her husband was ill-treated by the family of the senior cop.

In his complaint, driver Gavaskar said the incident happened on Thursday after he dropped the senior official’s daughter for a morning walk.

He said she verbally abused him when he was slightly late to pick her up. He said she asked him to hand over the key of the vehicle but he refused saying it was an official vehicle. Angry, he said, she took out the mobile phone and hit him on his neck and shoulder.

Soon after Gavaskar filed a complaint, the officer’s daughter also filed a complaint against him for outraging her modesty and abusing her.

The police booked the driver under non-bailable offence while she was booked under minor charges kicking off a controversy. The police association lodged a complaint with state police chief Loknath Behra, saying it was improper to book him under non-bailable offences.

The driver’s wife Reshma Gavaskar later met the CM saying her husband was treated like a bonded labour. Though he made several complaints to the ADGP about the ill-treatment meted out from family members he ignored them, she said.

The chief minister said the issue was serious. He also sought details of official vehicles being used by the senior police officer. ADGP Sudesh Kumar was not available for his comments.

“It has come to our notice that some senior officers are forcing subordinates to do their household jobs. It is highly unethical and unfair. I have sought a report from the DGP. We will put an end to this practice,” said the chief minister while condemning the incident.