Pathanamthitta (Kerala): A police officer in Pathanamthitta district faces dismissal from service following an internal probe that revealed his links with gangsters involved in KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act) and criminal cases.

The action has been initiated against Nishanth P Chandran, a Civil Police Officer (CPO) attached to the Thiruvalla police station, who also serves as a district office-bearer of the Police Association.

The internal inquiry was ordered following complaints alleging that Nishanth maintained active ties with a criminal gang involved in the Peechi gold robbery case. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief R Anand initiated the disciplinary proceedings after summoning the officer for questioning, during which Nishanth failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding his contacts with the gang.

Following the inquiry's findings, District Police Chief R Anand issued a formal dismissal notice to the officer.

Nishanth has been granted a 15-day period to submit a written explanation. The notice specifies that the dismissal order will come into effect if he fails to present a satisfactory response within the stipulated timeframe.