String-pulling of police top brass behind suspension of IG P Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Allegation that some higher-ups in the police are behind the suspension of IG P Vijayan. It is alleged that Vijayan's involvement with central agencies to nab the suspect in the Elathur train burning case has led to allegations that the state police has lost its credit, which has resulted in the suspension. The aim was also to prevent his deputation in CBI which was certain.

Vijayan, who was in charge of the State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), was in Thiruvananthapuram when the fire incident happened. He went to Kannur with DGP Anilkanth. A team was formed to arrest and investigate the accused as per the approval of the DGP through WhatsApp. According to the ATS manual, when such incidents occur, other agencies should be coordinated and investigated. This is how the ATS became involved in the investigation of the arson case, which was initially suspected to be related to terrorism.

When it became clear that the accused had left Kerala, Vijayan sought the help of IG Anoop Kuruvila John, a Kerala cadre IPS officer who is a former head of the Anti-Terrorism squad and a director in the senior executive cadre at the Union Cabinet Secretariat. Anoop coordinated various agencies including IB, Maharashtra-Karnataka anti-terrorist squads, Uttar Pradesh-Delhi Police and RPF. It usually takes days for this coordination if it is officially requested by the state.

On the third day, the accused was caught from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. However, with central help being sought, the criticism was that the credit of the state police was lost in catching the accused. According to ADGP MR Ajithkumar's investigation report, Vijayan's intervention caused a security breach.

Although it was the Maharashtra ATS that released the photo and video of accused Shah Rukh, allegations were made against Vijayan.

Although the ADGP, IG, SP, DySP and a media person spoke to the DySP who brought Shahrukh to Kerala, it was also alleged that Vijayan was the only one who to spoke to him a lot.

ADGP's report also states that since the accused's route was known, the terrorists could have attacked on the way. The suspension was decided with this. At the same time, it is alleged that the suspension is due to the move made by some to prevent his promotion as Additional DGP in December and his deputation to the CBI.

Central approval is required

• Suspension of civil service officers should be approved by the Ministry of Personnel.
• The Center can revoke the suspension, fix time for inquiry and recommend recall.
• Suspension cannot be extended for more than one year even if the reason is that investigation is going on.