Kerala ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar suspended over Alappuzha rescue case cover-up
Synopsis
Kerala's UDF government has suspended a senior IPS officer over what an SIT found to be a deliberate attempt to bury a politically charged case — one that traces back to the previous LDF government's handling of protests during the Nava Kerala Yatra. With criminal proceedings now being weighed, this could become the most significant disciplinary action against a Kerala Police officer in years.
Key Takeaways
Ajith Kumar was suspended by the Kerala UDF government on Thursday over alleged cover-up in the Alappuzha 'rescue operation' case .
The suspension followed an SIT finding that Ajith Kumar intervened to shield officials accused of assaulting KSU and Youth Congress workers.
The SIT reportedly found evidence of case diary alteration and manipulation of official records.
Departmental proceedings were also ordered against 3 DySPs and 2 Grade Sub-Inspectors attached to his office.
The suspension blocks Ajith Kumar's elevation to DGP , a rank he had been widely tipped for ahead of Nitin Agarwal's retirement on 31 July .
The government is examining potential criminal proceedings against him on charges of fabrication of records and conspiracy.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar was suspended by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala on Thursday over charges of attempting to derail the investigation into the controversial Alappuzha 'rescue operation' case. The action follows a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report that concluded the senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer had directly intervened to shield officials accused of assaulting Kerala Students Union (KSU) and Youth Congress workers.
How the Suspension Was Ordered
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala recommended the suspension after examining the SIT report and the Home Secretary's assessment. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan accepted the recommendation following detailed consultations. The investigation file had earlier been forwarded by State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar to the Home Department, setting the disciplinary process in motion.
The government simultaneously ordered departmental proceedings against three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) and two Grade Sub-Inspectors (SIs) attached to Ajith Kumar's office.
What the SIT Found
The SIT, constituted specifically to probe the alleged cover-up, reportedly concluded that Ajith Kumar had intervened to protect officials involved in the assault on KSU and Youth Congress workers who had protested during the Nava Kerala Yatra under the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. The then-LDF administration had characterised 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 — findings that the government described as sufficient grounds for suspension.
Ajith Kumar's Defence
Ajith Kumar denied the charges, claiming he was in Wayanad overseeing relief work in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster zone during the period in question. He submitted travel records and logbooks to support his account and denied directing any officer to alter the case diary. The SIT, however, reportedly found sufficient evidence to reject those explanations.
Impact on Promotion and Career
The suspension effectively ends Ajith Kumar's immediate prospects of elevation to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP). With State Fire and Rescue Services Chief Nitin Agarwal set to retire on 31 July, Ajith Kumar had been widely regarded as a frontrunner for the top rank. Government sources confirmed that no officer facing departmental proceedings or suspension can receive vigilance clearance or be considered for promotion.
Ajith Kumar was regarded as a close confidant of former Chief Minister Vijayan. The government is also examining the possibility of initiating criminal proceedings against him on charges including fabrication of official records and conspiracy to sabotage the investigation — a development that could make this one of the most consequential disciplinary battles involving a senior Kerala Police officer in recent years.
Point of View
But for its political subtext — the case roots directly in the previous LDF government's handling of protests against its own flagship yatra. The UDF's decision to act, after criticism of delay, is as much a governance signal as it is a political one. What remains untested is whether criminal proceedings will follow or whether, as has happened in past high-profile police disciplinary cases in Kerala, the process stalls at the departmental stage. The blocking of Ajith Kumar's DGP promotion is the immediate consequence, but the deeper question is whether the SIT's findings will survive scrutiny in a court challenge — which, given the officer's resources and political connections, appears likely to come.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Kerala ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar suspended?
ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar was suspended by the Kerala UDF government following an SIT report that concluded he had intervened to shield officials accused of assaulting KSU and Youth Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Yatra under the previous LDF government. The SIT allegedly found evidence of case diary alteration and manipulation of official records.
What is the Alappuzha 'rescue operation' case?
The Alappuzha 'rescue operation' case involves the alleged assault of KSU and Youth Congress workers who were protesting during the Nava Kerala Yatra under former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF government. The then-administration characterised the incident as a rescue operation, a claim disputed by the workers and later probed by an SIT.
How does the suspension affect Ajith Kumar's career?
The suspension ends Ajith Kumar's immediate prospects of being elevated to Director General of Police (DGP). Government sources confirmed that no officer facing departmental proceedings or suspension can receive vigilance clearance or be considered for promotion, effectively removing him from the running ahead of the 31 July retirement of Fire Services Chief Nitin Agarwal.
What was Ajith Kumar's defence against the charges?
Ajith Kumar claimed he was in Wayanad overseeing relief operations in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster zone during the period under scrutiny, submitting travel records and logbooks in support. He also denied directing any officer to alter the case diary. The SIT reportedly found sufficient evidence to reject these explanations.
Could Ajith Kumar face criminal charges?
The Kerala government is examining the possibility of initiating criminal proceedings against Ajith Kumar on charges including fabrication of official records and conspiracy to sabotage the investigation. If pursued, this could become one of the most significant legal and disciplinary battles involving a senior Kerala Police officer in recent years.
