Kerala govt issues order suspending ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, cites SIT findings of ‘interference' in Youth Congress workers assault probe

A day after approving disciplinary proceedings against senior IPS officer M.R. Ajith Kumar for alleged interference in the probe into the assault of Youth Congress workers in Alappuzha, the Kerala government on Friday (July 24, 2026) formally placed him under suspension, holding that the allegations against him were supported by the statements of multiple investigating officers and that his continuance in service could affect the fairness of the inquiry.The suspension order pertains to the alleged manhandling of the protestors during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme on December 15, 2023. Mr. Ajith Kumar had been accused of manipulating the probe into the purported excess by members of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s security detail.Soon after coming into power, the United Democratic Front (UDF) government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Crime Branch Superintendent of Police A.P. Shoukathali, to conduct further investigation into the case.Five police personnel, including two members of the then Chief Minister’s security team, were suspended two months ago based on the SIT’s preliminary report.According to the suspension order, State Police Chief (SPC) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar reported that the SIT found that the course of the original investigation had been altered due to “undue influence” from the office of Mr. Ajith Kumar, who was then Additional Director General of Police (ADGP - Law and Order). The report alleged that the intervention influenced the investigation in a manner that ultimately resulted in the filing of a refer report, thereby enabling the accused to escape legal action.The order notes that the statements recorded by the SIT from former investigating officers, Inspector K.P. Tomson and Deputy Superintendents of Police Arun K.S. and Sunilraj, consistently alleged that they were subjected to pressure during the investigation. Mr. Tomson told the SIT that the ADGP “examined the case diary, expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the investigation and questioned the findings recorded therein, especially the conclusion indicating the involvement of members of the Chief Minister’s security and escort team in the incident”.The statements of Mr. Arun and Mr. Sunilraj were said to describe similar intervention. The latter also referred to communications indicating that the case involving the former Chief Minister’s personal security officer should be referred without delay, suggesting attempts to influence the outcome of the investigation.The SIT further alleged that Grade Sub-Inspector Gireesh and Sub-Inspector Sreekanth, both attached to the office of the then ADGP (Law and Order), played multiple roles in the investigation process that culminated in the filing of the refer report prepared on the alleged assault of protestors.Officer denies wrongdoingPrior to recommending action, the SPC sought Mr. Ajith Kumar’s explanation and furnished him with a copy of the SIT report. In his interim reply, the officer denied any wrongdoing or improper interference, questioned the findings of the SIT and contended that it had exceeded its mandate.He also sought an opportunity to cross-verify the statements recorded by the SIT and requested a copy of a report submitted by the then Alappuzha District Police Chief on January 5, 2024, which recommended disciplinary action against the policemen involved in the incident. Mr. Ajith Kumar stated that he would be able to furnish a detailed explanation after receiving those documents.The SPC, however, informed the government that Mr. Ajith Kumar’s explanation was not fully satisfactory and that cross-verification of witness statements at the present stage was unnecessary. Describing the allegations of undue influence as “serious”, the police chief recommended appropriate action against the officer.After examining the SIT report, the SPC’s recommendations and Mr. Ajith Kumar’s interim explanation, the government concluded that the allegations did not rest on a solitary statement, but were corroborated by multiple officers directly associated with the investigation.The suspension order holds that Mr. Ajith Kumar’s intervention was not in accordance with law and, more importantly, “resulted in injustice” to the victims, while protecting the accused from legal action.At the time of suspension, he was serving as Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO). He will be entitled to subsistence allowance as provided under the service rules, the order stated.Govt followed SPC recommendations: ChennithalaHome Minister Ramesh Chennithala, while speaking to mediapersons in Thrissur on Friday (July 24, 2026), said the government acted in accordance with the SPC's recommendations. While declining to comment on whether the alleged police interference or evidence tampering warranted a fresh criminal case, Mr. Chennithala asserted that the government’s policy is “clear on abuse of power and misconduct” by public officials. “Whoever is found to have misused authority or engaged in improper conduct cannot be protected by the government. If such allegations are established through a proper investigation, the government has a responsibility to take strict action,” he said.