Thrissur Pooram disruption: SIT gives clean chit to ADGP Ajith Kumar and senior police officers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has ruled out an official-level conspiracy behind the disruption of Thrissur Pooram and held the Thiruvambady Devaswom responsible for the incidents. The report, which gives a clean chit to senior police officers, including ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, has been submitted to DGP.

The SIT has named eight people, including Thiruvambady Devaswom office-bearers, as accused in the case. The list reportedly includes people with close links to major political parties. They are said to include workers of the Congress, CPM and BJP. The accused are likely to face charges including attempts to create unrest, incitement to riot, promoting hostility between groups and conspiracy.

The report relates to the probe announced by the LDF government in October 2024. The DGP is expected to submit it to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) today. The SIT had submitted its report to the Crime Branch chief in February. However, it was not forwarded to the government as a decision had not been taken on whom to name as accused.

'Police action was in accordance with the law'

• The SIT found no conspiracy or lapse at the official or police level in the disruption of the Pooram. It also stated that the police had not resorted to a lathi-charge during the Madathil Varavu procession.
• The problems arose from unilateral decisions taken by the Thiruvambady Devaswom. When some people crossed the ropes put up to control the crowd, the police used their batons to make them move back. No one was beaten, the report said.
• The police had only completed the procedures required by law. They had no role in any conspiracy to disrupt the Pooram, according to the report.
• The Thiruvambady Devaswom did not follow the decisions taken at review meetings chaired by the District Collector and the Police Commissioner. Its unilateral decisions led to confusion and disputes.

Paramekkavu cooperated with police

The report also states that the Paramekkavu Devaswom cooperated with the police. It reportedly points to the political links of some people associated with the Thiruvambady Devaswom. ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, who initially conducted the investigation, had also blamed the Thiruvambady Devaswom in his report. He had specifically named the Devaswom office-bearers and held them responsible for the incidents.