Cantonment SHO recalled after leave triggers criticism, SI proceeds on leave amid confrontation with SFI

Cantonment SHO Satheesh Kumar, who proceeded on leave along with Sub-Inspector Gokul Gopan on Monday amid growing controversy over the police action during the recent Youth Congress-Students Federation of India (SFI) clash and their subsequent confrontations with SFI activists, was recalled by the Home Department and resumed duty later in the day.

His move came after the decision to keep him away from the station triggered criticism, particularly on Congress social media platforms. Police personnel affiliated with the ruling front had also reportedly approached the Home Minister’s office to seek the officer’s return.

Mr. Kumar had initially been granted leave to attend a three-day in-service training programme, while Mr. Gopan who is also attending training was also granted a month’s leave in connection with his wedding. Police sources maintain that the leave arrangements had been approved earlier and were not linked to the controversy over the handling of SFI activists.