Kerala government suspends senior IPS officer Ajith Kumar over probe interference allegations

The Kerala government on Friday formally placed senior IPS officer M.R. Ajith Kumar under suspension, a day after approving disciplinary proceedings against him. The action follows allegations that he interfered in the investigation into the assault of Youth Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme on December 15, 2023.

The suspension order states that the allegations are supported by statements from multiple investigating officers, and that his continued presence in service could affect the fairness of the inquiry. Mr. Ajith Kumar had been accused of manipulating the probe into alleged excesses by members of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's security detail.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) government, which came to power earlier this year, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Crime Branch Superintendent of Police A.P. Shoukathali to conduct further investigation into the case. Two months ago, five police personnel, including two members of the former Chief Minister's security team, were suspended based on the SIT's preliminary report.

According to the suspension order, State Police Chief (SPC) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar reported that the SIT found 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 (Law and Order). The report alleged that this intervention led to the filing of a refer report, which allowed the accused to escape legal action.

The order notes that 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 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.”

Mr. Arun and Mr. Sunilraj described similar interventions. The latter also referred to communications suggesting that the case involving the former Chief Minister’s personal security officer should be referred without delay, indicating attempts to influence the outcome.

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 that led to the refer report on the alleged assault of protestors.

Prior to recommending action, the SPC sought Mr. Ajith Kumar’s explanation and provided him with a copy of the SIT report. In his interim reply, the officer denied any wrongdoing or improper interference, questioned the SIT's findings, and argued that it had exceeded its mandate. He also requested an opportunity to cross-verify the statements recorded by the SIT and sought 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. Mr. Ajith Kumar stated he would provide a detailed explanation after receiving those documents.

The SPC informed the government that Mr. Ajith Kumar’s explanation was not fully satisfactory and that cross-verification of witness statements at this 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 decided to suspend him pending further inquiry.