Special branch to scan cases handled by circle inspector

Kochi: The case related to the demolition of Sapphire hotel on MG Road in Kochi turned murkier on Sunday with the Kochi police recommending departmental action and an investigation by the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau against a circle inspector. It has also turned the needle of suspicion on another police official and a corporation councillor for their role in the crime.

A police team headed by deputy commissioner of police Hari Sankar found prima facie evidences about the links central police station circle inspector Francis Shelby had with the prime accused in the case. Police sources said the report will be submitted to Kochi range inspector general M.R. Ajith Kumar on Monday, adding that a decision on the issue will be taken at the highest level in view of the election code of conduct being in force.

Meanwhile, Kochi city police commissioner M.P. Dinesh told Deccan Chronicle that he has directed the special branch to verify Mr Shelby’s track record and the major cases he had investigated. Mr Dinesh said that doubts arose about the involvement of the CI after examining the call details of the key accused Joymon Antony after his arrest from Madikeri on October 28. “The key accused had contacted the CI a number of times before, during and after the incident,” Mr Dinesh said.

The accused had reportedly told the police that Mr Shelby had helped them execute the plan, prompting the police top brass to conduct an investigation parallel to the one by the sub inspector of central police station.

Meanwhile, the principal sessions court on Saturday granted anticipatory bail to building owner Kadaripillai, who is allegedly given the contract to demolish the hotel. CI denies charges Central police station circle inspector Francis Shelby on Sunday denied charges against him. “I don’t deny that the accused had contacted me over phone but I clearly deny that I have an involvement in this case,” Mr Shelby told DC. “That people who contact me for some reason or the other later commits a crime does not mean that I am involved in it. The truth will come out in the investigation and hence I shall not comment more on it. I work absolutely in line with principles and guidelines.”

Decorated inspector The 48-year-old Francis Shelby, the CI of the central police station is a highly decorated official with a glittering track record. He was awarded good service entry over fifty times for his exemplary service. The cases police teams under him cracked include the murders of a West-Kochi based homeopathy doctor and senior advocate M.T. Abraham.