Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala on Friday, alleged that Inspector General of Police had summoned forensic officials and threatened them following the release of the forensic investigation report into the fire incident at the Secretariat building complex here.

Chennithala also added that IG gave the officials an ultimatum that if the next report from the forensics team is negative, it shouldn’t reach the court.

“After the forensic report was submitted at the CGM court here, one among the IGs summoned the senior officials in forensic department. This in itself is unusual. However, when they appeared before the IG, he rebuked and threatened them. The IG also took away the files. He even ordered that if the second forensic report is not favourable, it shouldn’t reach the court,” Chennithala further accused.

The Congress leader said that till date no police intervention had taken place in forensic reports. He questioned the IG’s authority to summon demanded the forensic officials and demanded severe action against him.

Chennithala added that this was an example of Chief Minister’s direct intervention in the case to destroy evidence.  For this CM is making use of DGP and Chief Secretary.

DGP has now written a letter to government to appoint an official of DGP rank in forensic department. This has never happened. Forensic department has been functioning fair and square. If an official of DGP rank is appointed here instead of scientists, this formula will DGP’s letter, he urged.

Chennithala also demanded to know whether the Forensic Director, whose service ends in January 2021, applying for voluntary retirement was over any threat.