Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is treading cautiously over a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report submitted against senior police officer Ajith Kumar, with uncertainty continuing over whether disciplinary action should be initiated.

Days after SIT chief SP Shoukkathali submitted the report, it remains pending with the State Police Chief. According to sources, the government finds itself in a difficult position after ordering the probe and receiving its findings.

ADGP Ajith Kumar has been accused of obstructing the investigation into allegations that members of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's personal security team assaulted KSU and Youth Congress leaders during a protest at the Nava Kerala Sadas event in Alappuzha in 2023.

Report said to contain weak evidence

According to sources, the SIT report includes statements alleging that the investigation into the assault case was derailed. However, the team is understood to have been unable to gather sufficient corroborative evidence to substantiate those claims.

Sources said the government's assessment is that initiating disciplinary proceedings against Ajith Kumar solely on the basis of the existing report could prove counterproductive because the evidence against the officer is considered weak.

An informal legal opinion is also learnt to have reached a similar conclusion. The government is yet to seek a formal legal opinion, reportedly because doing so could require further procedural steps.

Sources familiar with the developments said the State Police Chief is unlikely to forward the report to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala anytime soon.

Efforts are reportedly under way to delay its submission by citing technical grounds, including the possibility of seeking further investigation. There are also indications that the State Police Chief has received informal instructions not to send the report to the Home Minister immediately.

Congress leadership divided

The issue has also exposed differences within the Congress.

One section of the party leadership is pressing for strict action against Ajith Kumar over the alleged obstruction of the investigation. Among those demanding action is A.D. Thomas, one of the Youth Congress leaders who was allegedly assaulted during the 2023 protest.

However, sources indicate that another section within the party favours protecting the senior officer.

Despite Excise Minister M. Liju reportedly seeking his removal, Ajith Kumar continues as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO). A section of Congress insiders alleges that his continuation in the post reflects the influence of those seeking to shield him.

For now, the Home Department is understood to be weighing whether to act on the SIT report or delay a decision while examining its legal and procedural implications.