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.
Notably, the two officers were summoned by the District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) Arul R.B. Krishna a day ago and reprimanded for their conduct, particularly their public statements and social media posts. Mr. Gopan was subsequently removed from the law-and-order responsibilities of the Cantonment station and shifted to the crime wing.
Both the CPI(M) and SFI have demanded that both officers be removed from their positions by October 10, accusing the officers of targeting SFI leaders and escalating tensions in the capital. The SFI has also threatened to launch an indefinite protest in front of the Cantonment police station if no favourable decision is taken by then.
However, the Home Department is understood to be against any immediate action to remove the two officers, citing concerns that sudden measures could create discontent within the police force.
Published – October 05, 2026 08:03 pm IST
