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Kerala government defends ADGP Ajith Kumar suspension before CAT
The Kerala government on Thursday told the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that the suspension of Additional Director General of Police M.R. Ajith Kumar was an interim administrative measure to ensure a fair…
The Kerala government on Thursday told the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that the suspension of Additional Director General of Police M.R. Ajith Kumar was an interim administrative measure to ensure a fair disciplinary inquiry. The government filed an affidavit in response to Mr. Ajith Kumar's petition challenging his suspension.
The government submitted that the SIT report disclosed serious allegations of misuse of official position by the officer, including that witness statements and case diary records related to a 2023 assault on Youth Congress workers were allegedly re-written under his pressure. The suspension was based on the SIT report, a report by the State Police Chief, and Mr. Ajith Kumar's explanation.
The government denied that the suspension was timed to deprive him of promotion to DGP, stating that disciplinary action cannot be prevented merely because an officer is due for promotion. It added that Mr. Ajith Kumar was given a chance to explain before the order was issued.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The case stems from a 2023 incident in Alappuzha where security personnel of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan allegedly assaulted Youth Congress workers. The SIT probe led to the suspension of the senior IPS officer from the 1990 batch, who was due for DGP promotion. The CAT hearing will test whether the government's disciplinary action can proceed independently of promotion considerations. The next date is awaited.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
