Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has further strengthened its findings against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar in the controversial Alappuzha rescue operation case, increasing pressure on the V.D. Satheesan government to take a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s police leadership.
The SIT has submitted a revised investigation report specifically naming Ajith Kumar and backing its conclusions with additional evidence.
The report was prepared after the State Police chief (SPC) Ravada Chandrasekhar sought greater clarity on five specific issues and returned the original report submitted on June 23.
Following further investigation, the SIT has addressed those concerns and resubmitted its findings, paving the way for the SPC to seek an explanation from Ajith Kumar before forwarding his recommendations to the Home Department.
According to official indications, the entire process is expected to be completed within a week.
If Ajith Kumar fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, departmental proceedings could be initiated against him, potentially jeopardising his promotion to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).
The timing is particularly significant.
A serving DGP is due to retire on July 31, and Ajith Kumar, currently the senior-most officer in the rank of Additional Director General of Police, is among those in line for promotion.
Any disciplinary action before then could effectively block his elevation to the top-most rank in the police.
The controversy has also become an increasing political embarrassment for Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
Television channels have begun repeatedly airing archival footage of Satheesan, when he was Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, sharply criticising the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government for delaying action in similar cases.
The replay of those statements has put the present government on the defensive as questions mount over the delay in acting on the SIT’s findings.
Adding to the pressure, feeder organisations of Congress have alleged that a section within the party is showing undue sympathy towards Ajith Kumar, resulting in the delay in taking action.
The allegations have intensified demands for the government to act swiftly, making the coming days crucial both for Ajith Kumar’s career and the Satheesan government’s credibility on police accountability.
(IANS)
