ADGP creates controversy as he remains seated on minister's arrival

Thiruvanthapuram, Jul 12 : Amidst controversy over ADGP Rishiraj Singh remaining seated when Kerala Home minister Ramesh Chennithala arrived at a function, the minister today said it was upto the state DGP to find out if there was any violation of protocol.

The top cop, meanwhile, has dismissed the reports in this regard as "baseless." "I have no complaint against anyone in this regard.

It is upto the DGP to find out if there was a protocol violation and not me," the minister told reporters today at Kochi. ADGP (in charge of special services and traffic) remained seated on the podium when Chennithala arrived to attend the function at the Police Academy in Thrissur yesterday even as other police officers stood up and saluted the minister.

The ADGP's photograph, showing him seated, went viral on social media, alleging that he had shown disrespect to the minister by not standing up when he arrived at the passing out parade of women police personnel.

The officer later said that the minister had entered through the back side of the venue because of which he failed to notice. "The Facebook and WhatsApp postings are creating confusion among the public.

When we are sitting on the dais facing the parade, the minister entered from behind. How will we see a person who is behind us? At the parade we are supposed to get up only when the national anthem is played," the officer stated.

There were media reports that Singh was reportedly peeved over his shifting from the post of Chief Vigilance officer of the Kerala State Electricity Board. "There were 15 Superintendent Police along with other senior officers, including me. We were guests as per protocol, those sitting in the gallery for watching the parade are supposed to stand only when the national anthem is played. Otherwise we are supposed to sit till the VVIP leaves," Singh said.

PTI