Thiruvananthapuram, 12 July (H.S.):The report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that reinvestigated the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers during the previous LDF government's Nava Kerala Yatra has entered a crucial stage, with State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar confirming that legal opinion will be sought before the findings are forwarded to the Home Department.
The report assumes significance as it reportedly points to serious procedural lapses during the earlier investigation, including alleged falsification of records, suppression of material evidence and attempts to shield police personnel accused in the case. According to sources, the findings also raise questions over the role of senior officers, including ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, in the handling of the investigation.
Speaking to reporters, the State Police Chief said the report is currently under scrutiny. I am in receipt of the report, which is being scrutinised. Legal opinion will be sought and the file will thereafter be forwarded to the Home Department, Chandrasekhar said.
The report is expected to have wider administrative implications as Ajith Kumar is among the senior-most IPS officers in the state and is considered a frontrunner for promotion as Director General of Police after Fire and Rescue Services Director General Nitin Agarwal retires on July 31. Any recommendation for disciplinary proceedings by the Home Department based on the SIT findings could affect that elevation.
During the course of the reinvestigation, the SIT informed the Alappuzha court through an affidavit that it had uncovered instances suggesting preparation of incorrect records, suppression of material facts and creation of documents allegedly intended to protect the accused officials from punishment. The agency also examined the role of the previous investigating officers and supervisory officers who handled the original probe.
The controversy stems from allegations that the initial police investigation had been diluted after intervention by senior officials. It has been alleged that Ajith Kumar influenced changes to the original investigation, which had concluded that CCTV footage did not establish the alleged assault. Police had also maintained that officers escorting the convoy acted strictly according to protocol to prevent any untoward incident as the bus carrying then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and members of his Cabinet passed through the area.
The issue has also acquired political overtones. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal has demanded stringent action against those responsible for the alleged assault as well as those accused of neutralising the investigation. Ajith Kumar had earlier faced a departmental inquiry over his meetings with senior RSS leaders, an episode that triggered sharp criticism from the Congress. Then Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan had alleged that the officer's meetings with RSS national general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and BJP leader Ram Madhav in 2023 were held with the knowledge of the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a charge denied by the previous government.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the government will take appropriate action after the Home Department examines the SIT report and its recommendations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
