Kerala

Indian politicians who come to power tend to think of themselves as owners of the government. The latest example is the targeting of Kerala’s Additional Director General of Police, Rishiraj Singh, because he didn’t salute a minister at a function.

Under this alleged ‘breach of protocol’, Singh is accused of displaying disrespect for the state’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala by ‘not’ standing up when he arrived at the Police Academy in Thrissur on 11 July for its annual graduation parade.

Singh, recognised as an upright and competent officer, doesn’t see anything wrong in what he’s done (or not done). In an interview, he said, “The minister entered from behind when we were sitting on the dais facing the parade. Is it possible to see a person behind you?”

His superior, DGP TP Senkumar says an officer is duty-bound to salute a minister and Singh would be asked to correct himself if his action was deliberate. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has hinted at action against the ‘errant’ officer. Several MLAs and Congress functionaries also want him punished.

Who would’ve thought not knowing that a minister is standing behind you could lead to such an extreme set of reactions?

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