Chennai cop suspended for making derogatory remarks against Muslims, Christians

A police official has been placed under suspension in Chennai for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Muslims and Christians on a WhatsApp group.

P Rajendran, a traffic investigation inspector attached to Chennai's Pulianthope police station, allegedly shared an audio message on a Whatsapp group against Christians and Muslims after getting offended by the message of another group member.

As per police, the accused cop got offended after another member of the Whatsapp group, identified as retired sub-inspector Christopher, shared a video song of activist S Sivadas (Kovan) criticising the earlier AIADMK regime in Tamil Nadu, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and rath yatra.

Christopher also shared a video song of Kovam which claimed that Ram Rajya (rule of Lord Ram) will not happen in Tamil Nadu.

Irked by these messages, Rajendran shared an objectionable audio message on the Whatsapp group.

In the audio message, Rajendran reportedly said, “This is India. We have demolished a masjid (mosque) and built a temple on Ram Janmabhoomi."

"This is India and it is possible. Prayers will be done in temples, stones will be laid, and we’ll keep Senghol in Parliament. Let Christians and Muslims try stopping us. If not go to Pakistan or Saudi Arabia," Rajendran added in his audio message to the WhatsApp group

Rajendran also stated that Rama Rajya (rule of Lord Ram) would definitely happen as Hindus are the majority in India. He also warned Christopher to not share such video songs and create unrest in the name of religion.

Rajendran was later suspended by the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, Sandeep Rai Rathore, after the audio clip went viral on social media. Departmental action was also initiated against Rajendran.

In a press statement, Greater Chennai Police stated, "Rajendran, being a government servant, had made some objectionable remarks against the religion and it is condemnable. Since it is an indiscipline act, Rajendran, inspector of Police, is placed under suspension on the directions of Sandeep Rai Rathore, Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police."

"Further departmental action is being initiated," the press statement added.