Kannur: In his first official directive since assuming office, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar has instructed police personnel to exercise restraint on social media.
The circular, addressed to all district police chiefs, emphasizes the need for caution while engaging online.
The directive includes strict guidelines against posting controversial comments or content that could lead to public or internal disputes. Officers have been advised to maintain professionalism and avoid being overly active on social media platforms.
The recent controversy surrounding the appointment of Ravada Chandrasekhar as the new State Police Chief, who served during the Koothuparamba firing incident, sparked heated discussions on social media. Several CPM leaders and others expressed their discontent over the decision, leading to a flood of posts both supporting and opposing the appointment.
Notably, some police personnel were also found participating in the online discussions. The DGP’s recent circular urging officers to refrain from social media activity and avoid controversial posts was issued in response to this situation.
The circular also emphasizes that police officers must not record or share phone conversations under any circumstances. This directive comes in the wake of a recent incident where a phone conversation between a magistrate and a police officer in Neyyattinkara was leaked. Additionally, the circular warns officers against misusing social media or engaging in inappropriate online behaviour.
The government had previously issued guidelines regarding the conduct of police personnel. Despite this, several social media groups linked to police officers were filled with posts mentioning former ADGP M R Ajith Kumar, alleging that senior officers facing serious accusations were being shielded without any action being taken. Authorities have now decided to identify those responsible for spreading such messages on social media and initiate action against the officers involved.