Kerala Police braces for major shake-up under new government

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the formation of the new government, a massive reshuffle is expected across all levels of the Kerala Police force, from top brass to the lower ranks.

Current ADGP (Law and Order) H. Venkatesh, who also holds the additional charge of the Crime Branch, is likely to be moved to the Intelligence wing. Speculation suggests that P. Vijayan may be appointed as the new ADGP in charge of Law and Order. Additionally, Jail Chief Balram Kumar Upadhyaya, who faces bribery allegations, is also expected to be replaced. The reshuffle is likely to extend to IGs and District Police Chiefs.

Higher authorities have already begun collecting data on personnel who have served in special units—such as the Special Branch and Crime Records Bureau—for over ten years. Many of these positions are reportedly held by individuals with strong political ties or organisational leadership roles. A mass transfer of these officers back to local police stations is on the cards.

The report also recalls the controversial transfer of former Police Association leader G.R. Ajith during the previous LDF tenure. Ajith, a prominent figure during the UDF administration, was reassigned to traffic duty in Pattom, a move widely criticised as a political vendetta. Although he was later moved to Thenmala station in Kollam Rural, he recently secured a favourable order from the Administrative Tribunal and was reinstated as a Senior CPO in the City Police.

Furthermore, the new government is expected to prioritise action against police officers involved in the brutal crackdown on protesters during the ‘Navakerala Sadas’ ministerial outreach program. UDF sources also indicate that a pro-Left organisational leader, who allegedly used social media to target V.D. Satheesan and provided biased intelligence reports, will be transferred to local police duties.