Cops caught by bad beep as breathalyzer test turns anticlimactic in Kothamangalam

Kochi: An attempt by the police to catch KSRTC employees drinking on duty at the Kothamangalam bus station turned tragic on Thursday when the employees challenged the officials to use the breathalyser themselves.

The incident took place on Thursday morning when inspectors Ravi, Samson and others arrived at the KSRTC depot in Kothamangalam with a breathalyzer to test the employees reporting for the morning shift.

During the inspection, KSRTC chief PV Biju, who arrived for duty from Palakkad at 8.05 am, recorded an alcohol content of 39% on the breathalyzer. However, Biju, a teetotaler, strongly objected to the results, triggering a heated argument between the cops and KSRTC workers. The station master on duty supported Biju’s statement.

Subsequently, station master Shaju Sebastian was tested and found to have an alcohol concentration of 40% in his breath. Rasheeda, an employee, recorded 48%, while Ambili, a store employee, recorded 40%. Office worker Ajeesh Laxmanan recorded an alcohol content of 35%.

Angered by the results, employees insisted that officials take the tests themselves. When Inspector Ravi was tested, the alcohol content of his breath was measured at 45%.

The police quickly realized that they had a faulty breathalyzer with them. Sources said the inspections were conducted between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., but discrepancies emerged after 8:05 a.m., affecting the accuracy of the results.