Kerala government has suspended senior IPS officer M R Ajithkumar over allegations of improper interference in the investigation into the alleged assault of student activists during a protest against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s convoy. The suspension order, issued by Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha, follows findings by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a recommendation from State Police Chief Revada Chandrasekhar. Ajithkumar was serving as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) at the time of the incident in December 2023.
According to the government order, the probe into the alleged assault of workers affiliated with the Kerala Students Union and Youth Congress during a black-flag demonstration in Alappuzha was influenced from the office of the then ADGP. Authorities allege that this led to the case being filed in court as a refer report with diluted charges, effectively allowing the accused to evade prosecution.
The SIT, led by Crime Branch Superintendent of Police A P Shoukathali, recorded statements from key officers involved in the original investigation. Former investigating officers — including Inspector K P Thomson and Deputy Superintendents of Police K S Arun and Sunil Raj — reportedly told investigators that they had faced pressure during the course of the probe.
The government order further alleged that personnel attached to Ajithkumar’s office, including subordinate officers, intervened multiple times and contributed to the case being treated as a refer report. The SIT also cited Ajithkumar’s review of the case diary and his communication with district police officials as indicators of alleged interference, particularly regarding findings related to the involvement of the accused.
Ajithkumar has denied the allegations, questioning the SIT’s findings and asserting that the investigative team exceeded its authority. He has sought access to records and an opportunity to verify the statements cited against him.
However, the State Police Chief found his explanation unsatisfactory and recommended disciplinary action. The government concluded that while supervisory oversight is permissible, it must remain within legal boundaries and should not compromise the fairness or integrity of an investigation.
Defending the decision, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the suspension followed due process. “No officer can break the rules. If anyone does, action will follow,” he told media, adding that the government would not tolerate any abuse of power irrespective of rank.
The suspension order has brought the alleged interference into the public domain and is expected to trigger further legal proceedings, with Ajithkumar likely to challenge the action.
In a related development, the Thiruvananthapuram Special Vigilance Court recently dismissed a petition seeking prosecution sanction against Ajithkumar in a disproportionate-assets case. The court ruled on procedural grounds, stating that the petitioner should have approached the government for sanction instead of directly seeking relief from the court.
Follow us
