Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar has been transferred from the police to the Excise Department. The move follows a controversy surrounding his tractor journey to Sabarimala, which attracted judicial scrutiny.

Ajith Kumar’s transfer coincides with the Kerala High Court’s upcoming hearing on the issue. The government is expected to inform the court that he has been relieved from his role in the police battalion.

The current Excise Commissioner, Mahipal Yadav, is on leave, and Ajith Kumar has been appointed to fill the vacancy.

Tractor journey during temple rituals drew flak

Ajith Kumar travelled to Sabarimala on July 12 and 13 in a tractor, reaching the temple premises on the day of the Navagraha vigraha pratishta. His ride from Pampa to Sannidhanam and back triggered the row.

12 years ago, the High Court had issued an order restricting tractor use on the Pampa–Sannidhanam route solely for transporting goods. It also barred the presence of anyone other than the driver. Ignoring this, Ajith Kumar undertook the ride accompanied by his personal staff.

Court intervention and FIR followed

Following the controversy, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner submitted a report to the High Court. Acting on the report, the court strongly criticised Ajith Kumar, calling it a “serious legal violation”. Pampa Police subsequently registered an FIR. It is against this backdrop that his departmental transfer was effected.