Row over RS MP Suresh Gopi in search of honorary salute from police officer in Kerala
By PTI
THRISSUR: Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi on Wednesday courted an argument, demanding an honorary salute from a police officer who allegedly didn’t acknowledge his presence whereas visiting a village within the district affected by a storm within the locality.
When information channels began telecasting visuals of the act, the actor-turned politician justified it, saying he had not demanded the salute, however ‘gently’ knowledgeable the police officer that he, as a MP, deserved a salute.
The incident was reported from Puthur village within the district right now.
Gopi, who has donned the function of law enforcement officials in a number of Malayalam motion pictures, stated whereas speaking to individuals within the affected space, he requested whether or not forest officers have been current there.
When he seen police personnel in a jeep who didn’t acknowledge his presence, Gopi advised the Sub Inspector that he was an MP, not a Mayor and deserved a salute.
Addressing the officer as “Sir,” Gopi additionally requested the official to tell the forest officers to take away the uprooted timber from the world.
Talking to the media, Gopi, who unsuccessfully contested April 6 Assembly polls on a BJP ticket from Thrissur, stated he had not ordered the police officer to salute him.
“I spoke to him gently and addressed him as “sir”. When I noticed the jeep, I thought it was a forest department vehicle. When I realised it was a police jeep and a police officer got off it, I told him, sir, I am an MP, so I deserve a salute”, he advised a information channel.
Reacting to it, the Kerala Police Officers Association stated a salute can solely be given to those that are legally eligible.
Though MPs and MLAs won’t come underneath this class, law enforcement officials typically present their respect in direction of them additionally, an workplace bearer of the affiliation stated.
In July this 12 months, Thrissur municipal company Mayor M Ok Varghese had approached the state police chief with the demand for an honorary salute from the policemen.
