Warring Kerala Police officers pose challenge for CM Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing conflict between two senior Kerala Police officers has become a significant concern for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also holds the portfolio of Home Minister.

The dispute involves Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGPs) M.R. Ajithkumar and P. Vijayan, who have been at odds for some time. The situation escalated when P. Vijayan filed a complaint against Ajithkumar, accusing him of making false statements that implicated Vijayan and other Anti-Terror Squad officers in gold smuggling activities at the Kozhikode International Airport.

Vijayan's complaint was forwarded to the state police chief (SPC), Sheikh Darvesh Saheb, who, after reviewing the matter, directed it to the Home Department for appropriate action. The conflict between the two officers traces back to a previous incident where Ajithkumar's report led to Vijayan's suspension when he was an IGP, following allegations of leaking crucial information to the media. However, after a fresh investigation cleared Vijayan of all charges, he was reinstated and promoted to ADGP.

The timing of this latest episode is significant, as the race for the new State Police Chief (SPC) is heating up. Saheb, who is set to retire soon, is one of several senior officers whose names are likely to be included in a list for the Centre's consideration for the next SPC. Other potential candidates include Revadha Chandrasekhar, Nithin Agarwal, and Yogesh Gupta, among others. The list could also feature Manoj Abraham, the current officer in charge of law and order.

As the complaint against Ajithkumar moves through the channels, CM Vijayan and his Home Department find themselves in a difficult position, tasked with addressing the dispute while also preparing the crucial list for the Centre’s selection of the new SPC.

With IANS inputs