Kerala: Pinarayi govt transfers ADGP Ajithkumar from Law and Order

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (PTI) The Kerala government on Sunday transferred ADGP M R Ajithkumar, who was under attack from the Opposition Congress and the ruling LDF partner CPI for his meetings with RSS leaders, from the state's law and order duties.

Ajithkumar was posted to the Armed Police Battalion, while Intelligence ADGP Manoj Abraham was appointed as the new ADGP in charge of law and order.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the decision after examining reports related to issues involving Ajithkumar, which were submitted to him by the State Police Chief and a special team led by the DGP.

Announcing the decision through a brief press note, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "Earlier, reports related to issues involving Ajithkumar were submitted to the chief minister by the State Police Chief and a special team led by the Police Chief." CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam welcomed the government's decision.

"The LDF government's decision was timely and appropriate. It implemented the Communist Party's demand. This move is a triumph for all those who support the LDF," Viswam told reporters here, reacting to the development.

Congress criticised the government's action, labelling it an eye-wash to avoid opposition questions when the assembly session begins.

KPCC Chief K Sudhakaran said that the government's action implies they are unwilling to let go of Ajith Kumar, who had taken on a political mission to meet RSS leaders on behalf of the Chief Minister.

Sudhakaran believes this decision is aimed at maintaining the chief minister's relationship with RSS leadership.

Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, V D Satheesan, said the issue will be raised in the Kerala Assembly on Monday.

Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan criticised Vijayan's handling of Ajithkumar's transfer, saying the IPS officer faces allegations of phone tapping, custodial murder, disruption of Thrissur Pooram and unauthorised wealth accumulation.

Muraleedharan stated that the chief minister lacks the courage to take action against Ajithkumar, instead opting for a mere administrative adjustment after five weeks of controversy.

Ajithkumar had been under attack from the opposition and the CPI for his meetings with senior RSS leaders last year, as well as for his alleged role in the disruption of Thrissur Pooram.

Congress alleged that the pooram festival was disrupted by the police to help the BJP win the Lok Sabha polls from the central Kerala seat. PTI