Thiruvananthapuram: The inaugural press conference of newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP) R. Chandrasekhar witnessed dramatic scenes on Tuesday when a retired police officer interrupted the proceedings with a protest.

Bashir EP, a retired police officer, entered the venue posing as a journalist. Once inside, he publicly raised a complaint regarding the Malayalam film Narivetta, which features actor Tovino Thomas in the lead role.

Bashir alleged that his name had been misused in the film, which is currently running in theatres. Referring to the Head Constable character Basheer Ahammed portrayed by actor Suraj Venjaramoodu, he claimed it was based on him without his knowledge or approval.

It may be noted that the film draws from the Muthanga tribal agitation. Bashir clarified that during the actual Muthanga incident, he was serving at the DIG office in Kannur. “Police officers who briefly served and then entered the magical world of cinema scripted this story,” Basheer said.

“Without my permission or awareness, police officers used my name for the sake of money. I was in the police force for nearly 30 years. The filmmakers misused my identity purely for commercial purposes,” he claimed.

Basheer, who claims to represent a Gulf-based online media outlet, said he was initially seated in the visitors’ area but was compelled to enter the press conference hall. He maintained he had no intention to disrupt the DGP’s assumption of charge.

Interestingly, the present DGP is a top cop who has been cleared of the Koothuparamba police firing case, a controversial episode in the history of the Kerala Police, much like the Muthanga incident.