THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home department has issued a warning to the police chief who illegally diverted Rs. 8.26 lakhs.

Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu gave a letter to DGP pointing out that many other irregularities were committed by the Chief of Police and the police officers are responsible for the extravagance. A strict instruction was also given to return the surplus amount to the treasury.

On November 16, 2015, the government had sanctioned Rs.24,15,252 to increase the height of the compound wall of the vegetable garden in Thrissur Police Academy. Rs 4,23,772 was the surplus amount after works. Rs 4,14,610 remained after the construction of the mess hall in the academy. This amount was held by the director of the academy. Without informing the government, the police chief sanctioned the repair of the roof of the academy's amphitheater using this amount. Repairs were done for Rs 8,26,946.

Permission was also granted to construct a vehicle shed for the Motor Transport Inspector office at the academy using the remaining Rs.1,18,079. A letter was also sent to the Home Secretary on July 6 to validate the transfer of funds.

In his letter to the DGP, the Home Secretary pointed out that it was surprising that such amount was diverted and allowed for other works when there was a rule that the surplus amount could not be used for anything else.

DGP has been warned several times

1. September 2022

Warning for buying two cars for pink police after receiving Rs 17,56,572 from Bharat Petroleum Corporation's CSR fund in 2018 without the knowledge of the government. It was also directed that, in future, CSR funds should not be accepted or any contracts entered into with individuals or institutions without the prior approval of the government. The illegal transaction was discovered by the Advocate General.

2. May 2021

The DGP apologized for awarding a contract of Rs 4,01,200 to an IT company to update the police website without government permission. The work order was given to Kavika Technologies before even getting the recommendation of the departmental technical committee. Finally, it was validated.

3. April 2020

Home department warning for sanctioning Rs 56.88 lakh to a private organization without seeking prior approval of the government to buy food for 25 horses of the 'Mounted Police'.