10-Year Chief Inspector of Police Press Office Reassigned

Chief Inspector (CI) Shiva Coothen, who led the police press team for a decade, learned of his reassignment from the Central Barracks to the Emergency Response Service (ERS). The news came to him in an unusual manner, as he was only informed of the move on Monday, September 14, after he had finished his work for the day. He stated the way he was notified of the transfer was “not appropriate.”

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Suhail Lidialam, who was transferred from the Northern Division, will take over his role.

Coothen expressed a feeling of duty accomplished after his ten years in the position but felt the notification process could have been handled better.

“I learned that I was going to be transferred to the ERS after returning from work,” he stated.

“I don’t know the reason for my transfer. I’ve served for ten years there, and I was called to serve according to my capacity.”

He also addressed speculation that the transfer might be linked to a statement he made to the press regarding the arrest of journalist Narain Jasodanand, firmly denying it.

“No, I don’t believe so,” he said. “During ten years at the head of the PPO, I have always acted professionally, with my heart. I know that I have attracted many hurtful comments in certain situations, but these people don’t know the full story. My statements are based on facts,” he continued.

Coothen insisted that he has never been dishonest. “I do not lie. At no point in my career have I embellished or invented anything,” he stressed.

He confirmed that he spoke with the Commissioner of Police as soon as he learned of his new assignment.

“I was the one who spoke to him. I told him that I had received the message regarding my transfer. These are things that happen. I was simply at the office for one day, and I should have been told sooner,” he explained.

“I have served this service honourably. I have met many journalists, and maybe we haven’t always been on the same wavelength, but I leave with my head held high,” he concluded.

“I have worked in several units, and I wish good luck to my successor, may he do even better.”

Source: Defi Media