THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Assistant Commissioner Sheen Tharayil, the investigation officer in the accidental death case of journalist K.M. Basheer was removed as the chief of the investigation team. S.P. Shanavas was assigned with investigation duty.

The officer was changed while the FIR was being prepared. Sheen’s report regarding Sriram’s blood test had stirred controversy. However, Sheen will remain in the investigation team.

Meanwhile, the government had started departmental action against the IAS officer.

Chief Secretary had sent notice to Sriram Venkitaraman on August 30 demanding explanation within 15 days. In the notice, it is also said that further actions will be taken if there are no explanations.

After being remanded in the accident case, Sriram was suspended from the position of Survey Director. K.M. Basheer was killed in the car accident on August 3, 2019.