Thiruvananthapuram: Govt order suspending M R Ajith Kumar brought to light statements from three police officers alleging that the former ADGP (law and order) and officials attached to his office pressured investigators to steer the Nava Kerala Sadas assault case towards a refer report.Govt concluded that Kumar’s intervention wasn’t lawful and caused “injustice to victims” while protecting the accused from legal action. It cited consistent accounts given to special investigation team (SIT) by inspector K P Tomson and DSPs Arun K S and Sunilraj, who were associated with the earlier investigation.Tomson told SIT that Kumar examined the case diary at a meeting, expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation’s direction and questioned its findings. The order said Kumar particularly questioned the conclusion indicating involvement of members of chief minister’s security and escort teams in the assault.Arun and Sunilraj too disclosed similar intervention, according to the order. Sunilraj referred to communications conveyed through superintendent of police stating that “CM PSO case may be referred by tomorrow” and “I think investigation is over and only pending for refer notice”.Govt said these communications indicated attempts to influence the investigation’s outcome. The pressure allegedly exerted on investigators altered the probe’s course and culminated in a refer report filing, allowing the accused to escape legal action.The SIT found that Gireesh, a grade sub-inspector, and Sreekanth, a sub-inspector, both attached to then ADGP’s office, played “multiple roles” in the investigation process that led to the refer report. The suspension order, however, doesn’t elaborate on their specific roles.The case, registered as crime no. 1574/2023 at Alappuzha South police station, relates to the alleged assault by security personnel on protesters during Nava Kerala Yatra on Dec 15, 2023. The fresh investigation is being conducted by SIT headed by crime branch SP Shoukathali.Govt said allegations against Kumar didn’t rest on a solitary statement but were supported by multiple investigators directly associated with the case. Their accounts consistently pointed to intervention by former ADGP and officers attached to his office.While Section 36 of code of criminal procedure permits a supervisory officer to exercise powers of a station house officer, govt noted that such intervention must be lawful and aimed at ensuring justice. It concluded that Kumar’s alleged intervention failed this test and instead led to the accused being shielded from legal action.Kumar denied wrongdoing or improper interference and accused SIT of exceeding its mandate. He sought an opportunity to cross-verify the officers’ statements and requested a copy of Alappuzha district police chief’s Jan 5, 2024, report recommending disciplinary action against the policemen involved in the incident.State police chief found his interim explanation “not fully satisfactory” and said cross-verification of statements was unnecessary at this stage. Govt ordered disciplinary proceedings and held that Kumar’s continuation in service could affect the inquiry’s fairness.CM forwards complaint against Kumar to home departmentChief minister V D Satheesan forwarded to home department a complaint seeking registration of a criminal case against Kumar. The complaint said the allegations couldn’t be treated merely as a service disciplinary matter. The investigation team’s findings, which led to Kumar’s suspension, were serious and disclosed a criminal offence warranting prosecution, it said.
