Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Friday placed senior IPS officer MR Ajith Kumar under suspension, a day after approving disciplinary proceedings against him over allegations of interfering in the investigation into the assault on Youth Congress workers in Alappuzha. Digital evidence has allegedly been linked to the suspended senior police officer.
According to sources, the digital evidence includes messages instructing the investigation team to refer the case, allegedly stating that the direction had come from the Chief Minister's Office. The SIT is also said to have recorded statements claiming that Ajith Kumar repeatedly pressured them to refer the case.
The government is expected to initiate action against additional police personnel. Three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) are likely to be suspended following recommendations by the Home Minister. Disciplinary proceedings are also expected against two Grade Sub-Inspectors.
Ajith Kumar was suspended after the Director General of Police (DGP) submitted a report concluding that his role in allegedly sabotaging the investigation had been established. The suspension was approved by the Home Minister after consultations with the Chief Minister. Officials said the suspension is also likely to affect Ajith Kumar's future promotion prospects, including his eligibility for elevation to the rank of DGP.
The case stems from an incident on December 15, 2023, in Alappuzha, where KSU and Youth Congress workers alleged that they were assaulted by members of the security detail of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after showing black flags to the Nava Kerala Sadas convoy.
The Crime Branch filed a refer report in October 2024, giving a clean chit to the security personnel. However, a magistrate court rejected the report the following month. After the change in government, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reopened the case, arraigned five members of the former Chief Minister's escort team as accused, and suspended five police personnel, including the then Chief Minsiter Vijayan's former gunman.
