Thiruvananthapuram: A preliminary investigation has been initiated against IAS officer K.Gopalakrishnan who is suspended for having created a WhatsApp group of IAS officials based on religious affiliation.
Thiruvananthapuram City Narcotics Cell ACP will head the investigation and a case will be filed based on its outcome. Despite legal advice that a case could be filed, it was decided to conduct a preliminary investigation due to lack of clarity.
The District Public Prosecutor has advised the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner to file a case for trying to create religious sectarianism. However, the police maintains the position that legal advice is given without checking the entire police records.
When the controversy over the WhatasApp group came out, Gopalakrishnan gave the explanation that his mobile phone was hacked. However, the police investigation and forensic examination found out that the phone was not hacked.
It was found that the phones were formatted before handing over to the police. Subsequently, Gopalakrishnan was suspended. The police sought legal advice because it was an unofficial investigation.