Is Fresh Trouble Looming for CM Vijayan’s Trusted Police Official?

Thiruvananthapuram, July 24 (NationPress) Kerala Police's ADG M.R. Ajith Kumar, a prominent and trusted police figure of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, faced a setback on Thursday as state police chief Ravada Chandrasekhar recommended disciplinary action against him for breaching regulations at the renowned Sabarimala temple.

Earlier this month, Ajith Kumar drew scrutiny after images revealed him traveling on a police tractor from Pampa to the vicinity of the Sabarimala temple.

This route is exclusively reserved for goods transport and is prohibited for both pilgrims and officials, as decreed by the Kerala High Court.

In 2021, the high court prohibited the use of tractors for passenger transport along the Swami Ayyappan Road, and Ajith Kumar’s conduct was interpreted as a contravention of this ruling.

As the matter escalated, the high court, in a suo motu case, expressed its discontent and questioned the actions of authorities regarding the transportation of pilgrims and officials using tractors.

The issue initially arose when the Sabarimala Special Commissioner submitted a report to the high court outlining the incident and highlighting Ajith Kumar's legal violations while traveling with his security officer on the tractor.

The high court has already shown its disapproval, and Ajith Kumar provided an explanation to the SPC, claiming he was experiencing leg pain.

Nonetheless, the SPC report indicated that Ajith Kumar, who has been a critical official managing the security of the famous temple during peak seasons, is fully aware of the established rules and regulations. With the high court now involved, it would be prudent for an action-taken report to be submitted prior to the next court hearing.

The file will soon be presented to Vijayan, who must decide on the subsequent actions.

Ajith Kumar’s name was included among six police officials recommended by the Kerala government to the UPSC for consideration for the SPC position, but he was ultimately not selected among the top three candidates.

As the high court prepares to address the case, intense discussions are occurring within Vijayan’s office to determine the best course of action, raising the likelihood that the ADGP may be relieved from his current role as the chief of armed police battalions.

Previously, Ajith Kumar had a conflict with estranged Left-supported Independent legislator P.V. Anvar, who resigned after Vijayan opted not to act on his complaint against the police official. In the subsequent by-election, the Congress candidate reclaimed the seat.