MALAPPURAM: A sub inspector, who slapped a CPM leader and hurled abuses at party district secretariat member and block panchayat president in the police station, was transferred in half an hour. Probation sub inspector K V Vipin of Tirur station was transferred to A R camp under investigation.

Vipin slapped Vettam panchayat president Naushad Nellanchery. The incident took place at Tirur station yesterday afternoon. Vipin had asked a fisherman of Naushad’s ward to appear at the station at 10 am yesterday in connection with a case. However, Naushad called Vipin and told him that the fisherman could not come as he had work and asked him to give another time. SI asked Naushad not to interfere in this matter and a verbal dispute broke out between the two over the phone. With this, Naushad reached the station in Vettam Panchayat's vehicle. There was a verbal argument between the two. Naushad Nellanchery said that suddenly the sub inspector slapped him.

The officer pushed Naushad and some unruly scenes were witnessed in the station premises. He asked to take the panchayat’s official vehicle out. On getting information, CPM district secretariat member E Jayan and Tirur block panchayat president and CPM leader U Sainuddin reached the station. Vipin also shouted and hurled abuses at them. With this, the CPM leaders entered the office, locked the door, demanding immediate action against the officer.

It is heard that the district police chief called Jayan after knowing about the incident. The leaders also got an assurance that immediate action will be taken against the sub inspector. With this, the leaders left the inspector's room. Within half an hour after this, action was taken against the sub inspector. Vipin reached Tirur station six months ago to complete his probation period. Meantime, the CPM leaders are planning to lodge a complaint with the chief minister and the police complaints authority demanding further action.