A section of Kerala Police officers has expressed dissatisfaction over the recent high-level reshuffle in the force, with some reportedly meeting the state Home Minister to raise concerns about a number of transfers and appointments.

Sources said the transfer of Karthick K, who was serving as Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner, to Thrissur could be reviewed in view of his personal circumstances. He is likely to be given another posting in Thiruvananthapuram.

The government is also expected to appoint a new Inspector General for the North Zone in the coming days.

Concerns over district police chief transfers

Some officers have questioned the transfer of district police chiefs during the reshuffle.

According to them, a few district police heads were moved out without immediate replacements being appointed. There is also criticism that certain officers facing allegations have been entrusted with district-level responsibilities.

These concerns have been among the issues raised by officers unhappy with the latest round of postings.

Questions over Kozhikode City Police Commissioner appointment

The appointment of the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner has also come under scrutiny from some officers, who allege that the posting was influenced by political considerations.

The government's position is that the officer who had been serving as city commissioner, holding the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), was transferred as chief of Kozhikode Rural Police. The officer appointed in his place also holds the rank of SP. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Kozhikode continues to remain junior to the commissioner, and therefore the administrative hierarchy remains unchanged.

Thiruvananthapuram posting sparks debate

The appointment of a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Thiruvananthapuram has emerged as another point of contention within sections of the force.

Officers note that after the commissionerate system decision was withdrawn, responsibility for the city was entrusted to a DIG-rank officer. They also point out that both the present and previous commissioners held the rank of DIG.

Some officers have further cited the transfer of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S. Sreejith from the State Police Headquarters and his replacement by an Inspector General (IG) as another example of what they describe as inconsistencies in the reshuffle.

No fresh round of changes likely

Despite the criticism, sources indicated that the government is not expected to carry out another round of major changes in the immediate future.

The recent reshuffle is likely to remain in place for now, even as concerns continue to be raised by a section of officers within the police force.