After suspension, ADGP Ajith Kumar set to face departmental probe over Alappuzha case sabotage

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is set to initiate a departmental inquiry against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar over allegations of sabotaging the investigation into the Alappuzha 'rescue operation' case. An officer of Director General of Police (DGP) rank will lead the probe, with reports suggesting that Fire and Rescue Services Director General Yogesh Gupta is likely to be assigned the charge.

The government had previously decided to suspend Ajith Kumar in connection with the same case, and the formal suspension order is expected to be issued on Friday. It is understood that the DGP's report submitted to the Home Secretary contained an explicit recommendation advocating his suspension.

Ajith Kumar was due for promotion to the rank of DGP on July 31. However, the fresh inquiry and impending suspension have placed his promotion in jeopardy. Given the active suspension, the government has decided not to consider his promotion for the time being. It is also reported that the government has resolved not to consider anyone else for the vacant DGP post until the departmental inquiry is concluded.

Action is also likely to be taken against other police personnel responsible for lapses in the case involving bodyguards assaulting Youth Congress activists in Alappuzha. The government's turn towards stringent measures, including suspension, comes amid mounting questions over the delay in taking action. The departmental inquiry will be decisive in determining Ajith Kumar's official future.