Report against Ajith Kumar, ADGP exercised excessive power in Sabarimala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A report by the Special Branch has alleged that Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) MR Ajith Kumar exercised excessive power in Sabarimala and even interfered in ritual matters.

As per the report, the ADGP showed an unusual interest in Sabarimala and Pampa by appointing liaison officers in both places. He appointed 10 liaison officers during Mandala season and 4 during Masapooja to facilitate Sabarimala darshan for his friends, acquaintances, and VIPs from other states. These officers were of the rank of ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector) and above. In the past, only one liaison officer was appointed for the police.

The Devaswom Board leadership had complained to the Chief Minister that ADGP Ajith Kumar took decisions on his own without consulting anyone, and overstepped the authority of the Devaswom Board. Nevertheless, no action was taken to curb Ajith Kumar's behaviour. The ADGP took control of the parking space allocated to senior officials of the Devaswom Board in Pampa and also took over a room in the guest house located near the sanctum sanctorum. He behaved rudely with the Devaswom Board President during meetings. As the parking and travel facilities got messed up, a large number of devotees were forced to end their journey at Erumeli and other places and return to their homelands.

A dispute had taken place between Devaswom Board President PS Prasanth and Ajith Kumar during the Sabarimala review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister last December. When Prasanth said that up to 75 people could be allowed to climb the 18th step in one minute, Ajith Kumar retorted that he was lying. Ajith Kumar argued that only 60 people could be allowed to climb the 18th step per minute. As the argument escalated, the Chief Minister intervened to defuse the situation. Due to the heavy rush, many pilgrims collapsed at various places. As a result, hundreds of pilgrims return home after visiting Valiya Koyikkal Temple in Pandalam.