Thiruvananthapuram, 13 July (H.S.):State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar is expected to submit his recommendations to the Kerala government on Monday on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report that alleged attempts to derail the investigation into the assault on KSU and Youth Congress workers during the previous government's Nava Kerala Yatra in Alappuzha.

The recommendations are based on the SIT report, which reportedly found evidence suggesting that former Law and Order ADGP M R Ajith Kumar interfered with the investigation into the case. The DGP is also expected to include Ajith Kumar's explanation while forwarding the report to the government.

The SIT, headed by SP S. Shoukath Ali, had submitted its report to the State Police Chief nearly two weeks ago. Before finalising his recommendations, Chandrasekhar sought legal opinion on the findings contained in the report.

The report comes amid mounting political criticism that the government has delayed action against Ajith Kumar despite the SIT's findings. The Congress-led UDF has repeatedly alleged that the senior officer has been shielded from disciplinary action. Youth Congress leaders and Congress MP K C Venugopal have also publicly expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in acting on the report.

According to the SIT, Ajith Kumar, who was in charge of law and order at the time of the incident, played a role in interfering with the investigation. The report reportedly includes statements alleging that investigating officers were summoned to Thiruvananthapuram and instructed to alter entries in the case diary, amounting to an attempt to influence the course of the investigation.

Within the Congress, some leaders have alleged that the delay in initiating action is linked to Ajith Kumar's prospects for promotion to the post of Director General of Police. However, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has maintained that appropriate action should be taken if the allegations are substantiated.

The SIT submitted its findings to the State Police Chief on June 23. Apart from the Nava Kerala Yatra assault case, the Congress had earlier raised allegations against Ajith Kumar over the Thrissur Pooram controversy and his reported meetings with RSS leaders.

The timing of the DGP's recommendation is significant as Fire and Rescue Services Director General Nitin Agarwal is due to retire on July 31, creating a vacancy for the post of State Police Chief. Ajith Kumar is among the officers considered eligible for elevation to the top post. However, any disciplinary proceedings arising from the SIT report could potentially affect his chances of promotion.

Ajith Kumar is currently serving as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO).

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman