CPO dismissed from service citing indiscipline

Umesh U.S., a senior Civil Police Officer attached to the Aranmula police station, has been dismissed from service for repeatedly insulting the State police force and senior officers on social media and for committing acts of indiscipline.

The dismissal was ordered by Pathanamthitta District Police Chief R. Anand. The dismissal order noted that allowing him to continue in service would obstruct the functioning of the police force and tarnish the image of the government.

The action, initiated under the Kerala Police Act, cited persistent behavioural misconduct as the reason for dismissal. It also stated that the senior CPO had earlier faced multiple disciplinary actions for violations related to social media conduct. Mr. Umesh has the option to file an appeal against the dismissal.

As per the order, Mr. Umesh had previously been served memos for violating social media conduct guidelines issued by successive State Police Chiefs. However, instead of submitting appropriate explanations, he posted the memos along with his defiant replies on Facebook.

An inquiry conducted by the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief found that as many as 11 departmental inquiries had been initiated against him, eight of them related to defamatory social media posts targeting senior officers.

Disciplinary action, including withholding of salary increments, had also been taken against him for criticising the then City Police Commissioner in connection with Sabarimala duty, mocking the government’s UAPA actions using film scenes, and posting content perceived as supportive of accused persons. Action had also been initiated against him on charges of personal misconduct.

The dismissal order noted that Mr. Umesh had publicly mocked decisions related to salary disbursement. It also found his claim that he failed to attend the inquiry due to non-payment of salary to be false. Mr. Umesh had earlier been transferred from the Feroke police station in Kozhikode to Aranmula as part of disciplinary action.

When contacted, Mr. Umesh said he would be moving an appeal against the decision. Mr Anand, meanwhile, was not available for comment despite multiple attempts.