Kerala: Details of Vigilance report giving clean chit to ADGP Ajith Kumar out

Thiruvananthapuram: The state Vigilance department has cleared Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar of all allegations levelled by MLA P.V. Anvar, submitting a report stating there was no evidence to support the claims. The details of the report are out now. The five major accusations—involving illegal tree felling at the camp office premises in Malappuram, accepting ₹2 crore from Shajan Skaria, meddling in the gold smuggling case for financial gain, unauthorised construction of a house in Kavadiyar, and financial irregularities—were all found to be baseless, as per the report.

However, the Vigilance Court sharply criticised the investigation, particularly over allegations of accumulating disproportionate wealth. A special court, presided over by Judge M. Manoj, rejected a previous clean chit submitted in a related case, questioning the integrity of the probe. The court noted that Ajith Kumar’s brother-in-law had purchased a flat for ₹34 lakh, only to sell it to the officer for ₹65 lakh within 22 days—a transaction that lacked scrutiny. The judge remarked that investigators had failed to examine the source of funds or verify Ajith Kumar’s family finances, relying solely on his statements.

Key court observations

Political interference: The court rebuked a reference in the Vigilance report claiming the Chief Minister had "approved" the findings, stressing that investigations must remain independent of political influence.

Procedural flaws: The judge questioned how a junior officer could fairly investigate a senior official, suggesting possible bias in favour of the accused.

Incomplete probe: The court highlighted the lack of scrutiny into Ajith Kumar’s income sources and termed the investigation "superficial."

Vigilance findings on Anwar’s allegations

Tree felling: Auction records showed legally processed timber, disproving claims of illegal transport.

Bribery from Shajan Skaria: No evidence linked Ajith Kumar to the alleged ₹2 crore exchange.

Gold smuggling case meddling: No proof of interference for personal gain.

Unauthorised house construction: Bank records indicated lawful funding for the property.

Financial irregularities: No discrepancies found in income or asset acquisition.

While the Vigilance wrapped up the case, the court has advocated a renewed impartial investigation into the allegations, reaffirming the need for accountability in high-profile probes.