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New Indian Express
30 minutes ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kerala police chief files report critical of ADGP Ajith Kumar's conduct
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With only eight days left for his retirement, State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who had probed the allegations against former Law and Order ADGP M R Ajith Kumar in connection with the Thrissur Pooram fiasco, on Monday filed his report with the state government. The report has contents critical of the conduct of the officer, sources said. The report allegedly said there was a lapse from the part of Ajith during the whole episode. Revenue Minister K Rajan had testified before the police chief that when the Pooram faced disruption, he tried to reach Ajith over phone. However, Ajith did not respond. To this, the officer stated before the police chief that he had returned to his room after overseeing all the security preparations. By the time the minister telephoned him, he had fall asleep and hence he did not see the calls. The report said the reply of the officer that he fell asleep showed that he erred in his performing his duties fully. Sources said the report has adverse remarks against the officer, including his meetings with the RSS office-bearers, but it's yet to be known what the general outlook of the full report is. The 2024 Pooram was disrupted allegedly due to police high-handedness precipitating a political row. The fiasco occurred prior to the Lok Sabha polls and there were allegations that the Pooram was sabotaged for political purpose. After NDA candidate Suresh Gopi managed to win the seat, the allegation grew in strength and was endorsed by LDF candidate V S Sunil Kumar and UDF's K Muraleedharan.
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
SPC submits Thrissur Pooram probe report; flags lapses involving ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar
An inquiry report submitted by State Police Chief (SPC) Shaik Darvesh Saheb to the State government has reportedly made serious observations against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar, citing lapses in handling the disruptions that marred the iconic Thrissur Pooram festival last year. The government had instituted a multi-tiered probe into the controversy, which is widely believed to have dealt a political blow to ruling Left Democratic Front dispensation, particularly with the Lok Sabha elections imminent at the time. Various quarters, including the Communist Party of India, firmly believed that the mishandling of the festival had contributed significantly to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) surprise victory in the Thrissur constituency. The SPC is learnt to have flagged various lapses on the part of Mr. Kumar, who was tasked with overseeing security during the festival. He allegedly ignored key warnings and failed to intervene even after receiving direct calls from Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who had flagged a brewing conflict between the Thrissur City police and representatives of the Thiruvambady Devaswom. The disruption at the festival triggered widespread public outrage. The festival procession was blocked, devotees were baton-charged, and barricades shut down access to major parts of the city. Even mahouts and others were forcibly removed, causing the traditional 'Ezhunnallippu' (ceremonial procession) and percussion performances to be halted midway.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- The Hindu
4,000-member police team to provide security for Thrissur Pooram
A 4,000-member police team will be deployed for a foolproof security and smooth conduct of Thrissur Pooram this time. This year's pooram will be celebrated on May 6. As part of the final security review for this year's Thrissur Pooram celebrations, State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb visited key locations across the festival grounds and interacted with officers on duty, issuing detailed security instructions. The DGP, who arrived at 10:30 a.m., inspected key locations, including Thekke Gopura Nada, Padinjare Nada, Pazhaya Nadakkavu and area where fireworks display of the pooram will be held. 'A total of 4,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of Pooram. In addition to the local force, units such as NDRF, Thunderbolt, and Urban Commandos will also be deployed, ' the police chief said. CCTV cameras Arrangements have been made for a better and more secure viewing of fireworks display. To maintain precise timing of Cheru Poorams (processions from participating temples other than Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady), liaison officers have been pre-assigned in addition to the duty officers during each ritual or procession. To enhance surveillance and prevent crime, the number of CCTV cameras across the city has been increased from 250 to 350, he added. Parking has also seen a major upgrade, expanding from 15 to 45 designated areas with capacity to park around 3,200 vehicles. Police presence will be ensured at all parking sites, and a QR code system has been introduced to help the public easily locate parking zones. Three exclusive parking zones have been set up for departmental vehicles, with space for 200 vehicles. In light of heightened national security concerns following the Pahalgam attack, Urban Commando units have been added and detailed search operations are planned across various city points. Special zones From April 30, the day of the flag-hoisting ceremony, the city will be divided into special zones for anti-sabotage checks and combing operations. Additionally, eight hospitals across the city will host dedicated police aid posts to provide swift coordination in case of emergencies. A special watch list has also been drawn up for individuals with a history of drug-related or antisocial behaviour, with precautionary measures in place to detain them if necessary.
