In a significant development related to the Nava Kerala Yatra assault case, five police officers, including former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s gunmen, have been suspended. The suspended officers, Anil Kumar, Sandeep, Shaiju, Arun, and Vipin, were found to have used force and weapons unlawfully during protests against Vijayan’s yatra in Alappuzha in December 2023. The State Police Chief issued the suspension orders as per the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The SIT, formed after V.D. Satheesan became the new Chief Minister, revealed serious allegations against the officers for attacking Youth Congress and KSU workers. The visuals of the assault, where gunmen from the Chief Minister’s escort vehicle attacked protesters, had sparked widespread outrage. Vijayan had defended the officers’ actions as a ‘rescue operation’ to ensure his safety, leading to strong opposition protests at the time.
Further intensifying the situation, the SIT also accused Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Ajith Kumar of trying to sabotage the investigation and manipulate the case diary. The State Police Chief is expected to present the detailed SIT report to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for a decision on potential disciplinary and criminal actions against the senior officer. The government is considering invoking criminal charges, including falsifying records, against the ADGP.
