'Rescue Operation' case sabotage: SIT focus shifts to ADGP MR Ajith Kumar; offices raided

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged tampering of evidence in the controversial ‘rescue operation’ case has turned its spotlight directly onto former ADGP (Law and Order) M.R. Ajith Kumar.

On Wednesday, an SIT contingent led by DySP Baiju Poulose executed sudden searches at the Law and Order ADGP’s office and the Peroorkada Police Club, seizing several official documents. The crackdown follows recent SIT findings indicating that official records—including the crucial case diary—were systematically altered inside the ADGP’s office during his tenure to shield the accused from legal action.

Forced revisions and confessions

The roots of the case trace back to the Navakerala Sadas rally, where an initial inquiry concluded that the physical assault unleashed by security gunmen was a clear violation of protocol and constituted a criminal offence.

However, soon after these findings were documented, the initial probe team was allegedly summoned to the ADGP’s office. According to sources, Grade Sub-Inspectors Sreekanth and Vijesh pressured the original team into rewriting their report to favour the accused. In a major blow to the top cop, both sub-inspectors have reportedly given statements to the SIT confirming that the files were doctored under direct instructions from ADGP Ajith Kumar.

Digital and document evidence seized.

The SIT has built a meticulous timeline tracking the alleged sabotage, establishing that the original inquiry team was repeatedly summoned to the ADGP’s office near the Peroorkada SAP Camp over four consecutive days from August 12 to 15, 2024. To solidify this timeline, investigators confiscated official visitor logbooks detailing the exact entry and exit times of these officers, along with digital copies of the premises' CCTV footage. Room booking registers from the 'Agasthya' Police Club in Peroorkada, where the initial team was accommodated on August 13 and 14, were also seized to corroborate their movements. This marks the first time in recent state history that the office of the sitting Law and Order ADGP has been subjected to such an investigative raid.

DGP promotion hangs in the balance

The intensifying criminal probe has put Ajith Kumar's career advancement in immediate jeopardy. With Fire Force Chief Nitin Agarwal set to retire next month, Ajith Kumar was the top contender to be elevated to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).

Under service rules, no promotion can be cleared for an officer under active criminal investigation. If the SIT formalises charges of document forgery, fabrication of evidence, and conspiracy to sabotage an investigation, the senior officer faces immediate prosecution. Ajith Kumar is currently sidelined as the Chairman of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO).