Ramesh Chennithala intervenes; Star bodybuilder's SI training postponed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed the postponement of the training of bodybuilding star Shinu Chovva, who was appointed as a sub-inspector in the police. The home minister also asked DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar to investigate whether there was any irregularity in the appointment.

Chennithala made it clear that he will not allow any appointment flouting the merit and said that a final decision will be taken after receiving the DGP's report. Shinu was undergoing one-year training at the Police Academy in Thrissur. The Home Minister had received a complaint regarding the bodybuilder's dubious induction into the police force.

Shinu Chovva, who won a silver medal in the World Male Beauty Contest, had initially failed the physical fitness test. However, on the recommendation of the ADGP at the police headquarters, the test was re-conducted. The LDF government decided to relax the current rules and appoint him.

Male bodybuilding is not an event in the Olympics or the National Games. Bodybuilding has not yet been considered for sports quota appointments. Shibu was selected, while those who won medals at international and national levels were left ignored. This decision was controversial.