Thiruvananthapuram, 03 August (H.S.):

The Kerala Home Department has rejected a request by Wayanad Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) D.K. Prithviraj, an officer regarded as close to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for a transfer to his home district of Thiruvananthapuram with only a few months remaining before his retirement.

The government turned down the request saying Prithviraj should continue in Wayanad to ensure better service to people in the district. The Home Department order said he had been posted to Wayanad considering his performance in the police force and that retaining him there was aimed at ensuring efficient service.

Prithviraj had earlier served as a DySP at the Crime Branch headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. He was transferred to Wayanad after the UDF government assumed office in May.

With around seven months remaining before his retirement, Prithviraj approached the Kerala Administrative Tribunal seeking a transfer to his home district. The tribunal directed the government to consider his request, following which he submitted a representation to the authorities. The Home Department has now rejected the plea.

During the previous LDF government, Prithviraj was widely regarded as an officer who enjoyed the confidence of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office. He was also reportedly active in matters related to a Left-leaning organisation within the police force.

Prithviraj handled politically sensitive cases during the previous administration. He initially investigated the case involving Youth Congress workers who staged a protest against Pinarayi Vijayan aboard a flight.

He also headed the investigation that resulted in the arrest of Congress leader K.S. Sabarinadhan in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the in-flight protest.

Following the Home Department's decision, Prithviraj will continue serving with the Crime Branch in Wayanad for the time being.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman