Kerala State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar has returned the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report regarding the alleged 2023 assault on Youth Congress workers in Alappuzha. He has asked for more clarity on certain findings and further investigation before resubmission. The police security officials linked to the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have been suspended.
The State Police chief has identified specific areas in the report needing more explanation and has requested additional details from the SIT. Investigators are directed to conduct additional inquiries where necessary and submit the revised report promptly. The delay in addressing the report against ADGP M.R. Ajithkumar, an associate of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has raised concerns within the Congress party.
The SIT has reportedly found that a senior police officer, Ajith Kumar, tried to obstruct the assault case investigation, but no action has been taken against him yet. The delay is significant as Ajith Kumar is a top IPS officer being considered for promotion to Director General of Police after the retirement of a current DGP on July 31. The government’s decision on the SIT report is crucial politically and administratively.
The issue has sparked reactions within the Congress party. AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Alappuzha MP has emphasized the seriousness of the matter and urged the state government to address it promptly. State Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has also called for swift action. Other Congress leaders have echoed similar sentiments, warning that any further delay could erode public trust in the government’s commitment to accountability.
State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has defended the government’s cautious approach, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of evidence and legal provisions before making a decision. He has stressed the importance of ensuring that any action can withstand legal scrutiny to avoid weakening the government’s position if challenged in court.
