ADGP Ajith Kumar likely to be suspended for Thrissur pooram lapse as per Central Vigilance manual

Kochi: As per the Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) vigilance manual, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar could be possibly suspended over the alleged lapse during the Thrissur Pooram. The manual grants the government the authority to suspend any government employee if their actions, while under investigation, are deemed harmful to the government.

The CVC's vigilance manual outlines that if there is a prima facie case of misconduct, a suspension may be initiated even before the investigation concludes. It further explains that, upon finding a prima facie offence, an officer can be suspended during the ongoing investigation, especially if their actions could damage the government's image.

In a recent report submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP), it was stated that ADGP Ajith Kumar failed to act during the Thrissur Pooram incident. Despite being in Thrissur at the time, the DGP noted that the ADGP did not reach the scene of the incident. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded to the growing criticism, stating that no immediate action was taken because accurate information regarding the ADGP's failure had not yet been received. He further clarified that the DGP's observations about the ADGP's absence were not part of the formal investigation.

According to the vigilance manual, if the misconduct is serious enough to harm the government's reputation, the officer can be suspended without the reason being explicitly mentioned in the suspension order. The manual also provides three months to inform the officer of the same.