Kochi: The Kerala government has suspended Assistant Commandant S Suresh of the Kerala Armed Police (KAP) Battalion after he was found drunk while on duty during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit to the state in August.

According to a detailed report submitted by the State Police Chief to the Home Department, Suresh’s actions amounted to a serious breach of discipline, dereliction of duty, and gross irresponsibility during a high-security assignment.

The incident occurred on August 21, when Suresh was assigned as Officer-in-Charge at the business jet terminal and safe house at Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol by senior officials and was immediately removed from his post.

A medical examination conducted at Angamaly Taluk Hospital, followed by a chemical analysis, confirmed the presence of ethyl alcohol in his blood. Based on these findings, the State Police Chief recommended his immediate suspension.

The Home Department reviewed the report and found prima facie evidence of serious misconduct. Suresh will now face a departmental inquiry under the Kerala Police Departmental Inquiries, Punishment and Appeal Rules, 1958.

Officials confirmed that he will be eligible for a subsistence allowance during the suspension period, as per Rule 55, Part I of the Kerala Service Rules (KSR). A panel of competent officers will soon be constituted to conduct the inquiry.

The incident has raised questions over internal supervision and the preparedness of police personnel during high-profile visits, especially those involving senior central leaders.