ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar suspended over Alappuzha 'rescue operation' case

KERALA Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar has been suspended from service in connection with the alleged sabotage of the investigation into the controversial Alappuzha "rescue operation" case.

The suspension follows the submission of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report by State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar to the Home Department.

The report reportedly found that Ajith Kumar interfered with the investigation, leading the state government to initiate disciplinary action. The decision was approved by the Chief Minister following the Home Minister's recommendation. 

The case relates to the assault on KSU and Youth Congress activists during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in Alappuzha in December 2023.

The incident was earlier described as a "rescue operation" by the then government, but the SIT concluded that there was no such rescue and alleged attempts were made to manipulate the investigation. 

The suspension comes just days before Ajith Kumar was due to be considered for promotion to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).