Kerala Suspends IPS Officer MR Ajithkumar Over Alleged Interference In Assault Investigation Case

The Kerala government on Thursday suspended senior IPS officer MR Ajithkumar, alleging that he interfered with the investigation into the 2023 assault case involving Youth Congress and KSU workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in Alappuzha. The suspension order stated that Ajithkumar’s actions affected the course of the probe and allegedly helped the accused avoid legal action. Ajithkumar, a 1995-batch Indian Police Service officer, was serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation when the government issued the suspension order on July 24.

The action was based on a progress report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was formed by the United Democratic Front (UDF)-led government in May to conduct a fresh investigation into the case. According to the government order, the State Police Chief found that the investigation had been influenced by the office of the then Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), a position held by Ajithkumar at the time. The order alleged that the direction of the investigation was changed in a manner that resulted in a report recommending closure of the case, allowing those accused to escape prosecution.

The case relates to an alleged assault on Youth Congress and Kerala Students Union (KSU) workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in Alappuzha in December 2023. The protesters had accused members of the security team associated with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of attacking them during the event. The allegations had triggered political controversy in Kerala, with opposition parties demanding a fair investigation. The Kerala government said it relied on statements provided to the SIT by three police officers who were involved in the earlier investigation.

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Inspector KP Tomson, one of the officers who gave a statement, reportedly told the SIT that Ajithkumar had examined the case diary, questioned the direction of the probe and expressed dissatisfaction with findings that pointed towards the involvement of members of the former Chief Minister’s security team. The suspension order stated that the alleged interference amounted to misconduct and warranted disciplinary proceedings against the senior police officer. Ajithkumar will remain under suspension until further action is taken as part of the disciplinary process.

The development has added another political dimension to the already contentious case, with the ruling UDF government facing pressure to ensure accountability while the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to respond to the allegations. The case has remained a point of confrontation between the two major political fronts in Kerala. The Special Investigation Team is continuing its inquiry into the allegations surrounding the assault and the handling of the earlier investigation. The government is expected to examine the SIT’s findings further before deciding on the next steps in the disciplinary proceedings against Ajithkumar. The suspension marks a significant action against a senior police official and highlights the continuing scrutiny over the investigation process.

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