Thiruvananthapuram, July 23, 2026
In a move signalling its zero‑tolerance approach towards alleged abuse of authority, the Congress‑led UDF government on Thursday suspended Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar over charges of attempting to derail the investigation into the controversial Alappuzha “rescue operation” case.
The suspension followed the recommendation of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, which Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan accepted after a detailed examination of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report and the Home Secretary’s assessment.
The government also ordered departmental proceedings against three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) and two Grade Sub‑Inspectors (SIs) attached to Ajith Kumar’s office.
The SIT, constituted to probe the alleged cover‑up, concluded that Ajith Kumar had directly intervened to shield officials involved in the assault on KSU and Youth Congress workers who had protested during the Nava Kerala Yatra under the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government. The then LDF government had defended the incident as a “rescue operation.”
According to the SIT, efforts were allegedly made to alter the case diary and manipulate official records to protect those involved.
The investigation file was forwarded by State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar to the Home Department, following which the Chief Minister and Home Minister held detailed consultations before deciding on the suspension.
The decision comes amid criticism that the government was delaying action against the senior IPS officer. It also effectively ends Ajith Kumar’s immediate prospects of promotion to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).
With State Fire and Rescue Services Chief Nitin Agarwal retiring on 31 July, Ajith Kumar had been widely tipped for elevation to the top rank. However, government sources maintained that no officer facing departmental proceedings or suspension can receive vigilance clearance or be considered for promotion.
In his defence, Ajith Kumar claimed he was in Wayanad overseeing rescue operations in the Mundakkai‑Chooralmala disaster zone during the period in question and submitted travel records and logbooks to support his claim. He also denied directing any officer to alter the case diary.
The SIT, however, reportedly found sufficient evidence to reject those explanations. The government is also examining the possibility of initiating criminal proceedings against Ajith Kumar on charges including fabrication of official records and conspiracy to sabotage the investigation, setting the stage for what could become one of the most significant legal and disciplinary battles involving a senior Kerala Police officer in recent years.
Ajith Kumar was considered the blue‑eyed boy of former Chief Minister Vijayan.(Agency)
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