Suresh Gopi calls sub-inspector from jeep and asks him to salute him

THRISSUR: Suresh Gopi MP summoned Ollur sub inspector and makes him salute him. The incident happened when the MP visited a place. The actor made the inspector salute him after the latter did not get out of the jeep even after seeing him. ‘I am an MP. Listen ...there can be a salute. Should do that. Don't forget that habit? I am not a mayor’, were the words of the MP. The sub inspector later saluted him.

Though things were cordial, many came forward supporting and against the act. There are arguments that the police need no salute the MP as per protocol but on the other hand, there are opinions that he should be saluted as per the Kerala Police Standing Order.

Actor’s response on the incident

‘I reached there following a complaint from the locals in connection with an issue on the felling of trees. When a jeep came there, thought it was the vehicle of the forest department. When I asked to call the forest official, came to know that it was the sub inspector. He came near me after 15 minutes. What courtesy is that. I responded politely. Were you sitting in the vehicle for so long? I am an MP. I deserve a salute. He immediately saluted me. I don’t know the politics of whether a salute should be given or not. The information I got from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat is should be saluted. If it has changed now should inform me. It is not to be informed by the state. Rajya Sabha chairman should inform this.’