Wireless on, drunk cop caught in small talk

CHENNAI: It could perhaps be the worst-case scenario for a patrol cop: a wireless set that had switched on, inebriated, indulging in small talk with a colleague and a senior officer listening to the verbal barrage… Special sub-inspector Ranganathan (55), attached to Neelangarai police station, is now facing possible suspension.A police officer told Express that Ranganathan was on night duty on Tuesday and in-charge of the vehicle that was patrolling the area. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (Adyar) Dr K A Senthilvelan, who was on his rounds, was issuing instructions through the wireless to all patrol vehicles. Not only did the SSI fail to respond, his voice suddenly started streaming over the wireless network for all to hear. “The wireless set that was turned off seemed to have switched on by itself,” the police officer said.Sounding drunk, Ranganathan was talking to a colleague on his cellphone blissfully unaware that his wireless was on and picking up the personal conversation. On the DCP’s directive, he was sent to a government hospital for a medical check-up to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol while on duty. After the hospital issued a certificate confirming his inebriated condition, the DCP is now conducting an inquiry into the incident.Questioned about the liquor odour, the SSI reportedly claimed that he had consumed legiyam (a medicine) for digestion, the police officer said.