THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A fight broke out between two drunken Circle Inspectors (CI) during the inaugural day of a new five-star hotel launched in the capital city. The brawl occurred in the presence of notorious gangster Om Prakash and an SP, who had arrived at the hotel with his family. Both the officers were stopped by Om Prakash and his accomplices. Intelligence Chief P Vijayan submitted a report to the DGP yesterday, recommending the suspension of both CIs. Disciplinary action is expected soon, along with a departmental inquiry. The SP, who witnessed the incident, may also face a transfer.

The incident, which occurred on December 4, came to light the other day. One of the officers engaged in the fight is a Crime Branch CI, while the other is a CI at the Police Headquarters. The SP, who witnessed the fight, had recently received a promotion. The hotel owner has close ties with all these officers.

The incident occurred at the hotel in Vazhayila, Peroorkada at around 9.30 PM. The officers came to the hotel to attend a party hosted by the hotel owner as part of the inauguration. The Crime Branch CI arrived with a prominent businessman from Vazhayila, while the SP came with his family. During the party, the CIs reportedly got into a verbal argument over the licensing of a bar being started at the hotel. The argument escalated into a physical fight, with the businessman siding with the Crime Branch CI. As the situation worsened, Omprakash and his gang intervened to break up the fight. The issue was later resolved through a conciliatory discussion led by Omprakash and the SP. The reception continued without further incidents.

Serious breach of discipline
Special Branch had reported the incident to the top officials on the same day the incident occurred. The Intelligence Chief’s report points out that attending a party at the hotel in the presence of gangsters can be considered a serious breach of discipline. The report also emphasizes that the incident has brought embarrassment to the police force.