Govt initiates steps to cancel bodybuilding athlete Shinu Chovva's appointment as SI; training stopped

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Home Department has initiated steps to cancel the previous government’s decision to appoint bodybuilding athlete Shinu Chovva as a Sub-Inspector (SI). Shinu had failed the physical test conducted for the Kerala Police Inspector recruitment. The Home Minister has directed officials to stop Shinu’s training and has asked the DGP to submit an urgent report on the complaints.

Shinu and bodybuilding champion Chitharesh Natesan were appointed during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The appointments had faced criticism after allegations that they were made considering political connections, despite both candidates failing the required physical fitness test.

The government order had stated that the appointments were made considering their achievements at national and international levels, as well as their family backgrounds. ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar was removed from the charge of Central Sports Officer of the Kerala Police following the controversy over the appointments.

The physical test was conducted at the SAP Ground in Peroorkada. Shinu failed in events including the 100-metre race, long jump, high jump, and 1500-metre race. However, ADGP S. Sreejith had earlier said that appointments could be given under special circumstances and that running events were not mandatory for bodybuilders. Shinu had also filed a complaint alleging that the physical test was not conducted in a transparent manner. He claimed that officials had deliberately failed him in the test.