A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Kerala is facing disciplinary action for his controversial tour to the Gulf states in April. The reason - he did not seek permission from the government. Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan himself had taken personal interest in suspending the police officer. Many believe the officer faced action as he is considered to be a trusted lieutenant of Achuthanandan’s rival Pinarayi Vijayan, the CPM's state secretary.