Kochi: It has come to light that the hard disk of the CCTV footage in the hotel was removed following the accident in order to help a top level police officer. As per reports, the officer had visited the hotel on the day of mishap that claimed three lives, including that of former Miss Kerala and runner-up. The State Intelligence submitted a report in this regard.

It is suspected that ‘No 18’ hotel owner Roy replaced the hard disk of CCTV footage as per the instruction of the police official. If the visuals are examined, the official’s presence in the hotel will also be revealed.

The police delayed seizing the hard disk by 9 days due to the intervention of the police officer, it is hinted. The hotel owner’s interrogation was delayed as per the direction of the IPS officer. Also, it was due to his interventions, the police allowed illegal activities in the hotel that functions in front of Fort Kochi police station.

The said police officer used to protect the hotel owner ever since he was serving a top post in the Kochi City Police and this continued even after that. Soon after the Intelligence report came to light, the state police headquarters has strictly warned the Kochi City Police. As part of this, the probe into the case was handed over to the Crime Branch.