Chief Minister Defends Procedural Timeline in Suspension of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar

Procedural Integrity Over Media Pressure

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan clarified on Wednesday that the administration prioritized legal due process over public outcry in its handling of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on July 29, 2026, the Chief Minister rejected claims that the government hesitated to act against the officer for his alleged interference in the Alappuzha Youth Congress assault investigation.

Satheesan emphasized that state action must remain insulated from media demands. "Can we suspend someone based on news reports?" he questioned during the press conference. He argued that the government's rigorous adherence to administrative formalities is the primary reason the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) declined to stay the suspension order.

The Investigation Timeline

The administrative response followed a specific sequence of internal inquiries and reports:

• The first Cabinet meeting resulted in the immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
• Initial findings from the SIT led to swift disciplinary measures against several lower-ranking officers.
• Evidence concerning the ADGP's specific involvement only surfaced in the SIT's second formal report.
• Director General of Police (DGP) review: The DGP evaluated the second report and provided the ADGP a mandatory window to respond to the allegations.

The Chief Minister urged media outlets to engage in self-introspection, specifically those that had previously accused him and the Home Minister of shielding the high-ranking officer. He maintained that the timeline was necessary to ensure the suspension stood up to legal scrutiny before the CAT.

Source: The Hindu — News