No Relief for M R Ajith Kumar; CAT refuses to stay suspension

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major setback for suspended ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has rejected his plea to stay his suspension. The tribunal admitted his petition, sought a response from the Kerala government, and posted the matter for hearing on August 20. Ajith Kumar was suspended over allegations that he attempted to derail the investigation into the Alappuzha "rescue operation" case.

In his petition, Ajith Kumar argued that his suspension was illegal, claiming the order should have been issued by the Chief Minister but was instead signed by the Chief Secretary. He also pointed out that he was suspended just days before he was due to be considered for promotion as the state's Director General of Police (DGP).

Denying all the allegations against him, Ajith Kumar sought an immediate stay on the suspension. He further argued that the inquiry was conducted by an officer of SP rank, which he claimed violated service rules. He also alleged that there were ulterior motives behind the suspension.

The allegations stem from the Nava Kerala Yatra, during which security personnel of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan allegedly assaulted Youth Congress workers, including current Alappuzha MLA A.D. Thomas. Ajith Kumar, who was in charge of law and order at the time, is accused of attempting to derail the investigation into the incident.

The UDF government suspended Ajith Kumar based on the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SP A.P. Shoukath Ali.