DGP fight heats up: Yogesh Gupta denies Kerala govt's pact, Ravada to meet Kerala CM on Wednesday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government forced Yogesh Gupta to write a letter mentioning his 'disinterest' in becoming the new police chief in Kerala. Yogesh Gupta denied this proposal.

The central government had demanded a clearance certificate from the state government for Yogesh Gupta.

The government demanded a letter from Yogesh in reward of a clearance certificate after 'Kerala Kaumudi' reported about the certificate being delayed to Yogesh despite the Union Home Ministry requesting it in writing three times. Yogesh is third on the central list for the post of police chief.

A senior official in the Home Department called Yogesh directly and proposed an amicable pact. He also called Yogesh's fellow officers. Yogesh replied that the UPSC and the central government would consider his appointment and that he would not withdraw from the list. Fearing the chances of retribution if Yogesh approached the court, the Chief Secretary handed over the file to the Chief Minister's office on Monday to be sent to the clearance center. The Chief Minister's stance is now crucial.

The list of Nitin Agarwal, Ravada Chandrashekhar, Yogesh Gupta, Manoj Abraham, Suresh Rajpurohit and M.R. Ajitkumar has been sent to the UPSC for consideration in the shortlist for the post of Police Chief. Out of this, the UPSC will forward the shortlist of three to the government. Appointments should be made from that. Nitin, Ravada and Yogesh are likely to be on the final list.

• The Kerala government removed Yogesh from the post of Vigilance Chief after he uncovered major corruption cases involving politicians and public sector enterprises.

• The government also asked Ravada Chandrashekhar, who was second on the list, to write a letter admitting his refusal to take up the police chief post, but the high-ranking police officer didn't budge. Ravada, who was a special director in the IB, was appointed as Secretary (Security) by the Centre.

• It is rumoured that a high official within the home ministry asked Ravada about the reason for eyeing the Kerala police chief post despite landing in a venerable post with the central government. It is reported that Ravada exploded in a series of harangues at the officer. Ravada will arrive in Kerala on Wednesday to meet the Chief Minister and express his willingness to become the police chief.

• With ten years of experience with IB, the Kerala government is apprehensive of Ravada’s leanings toward the central government. A political upheaval is also on the cards if Ravada, the officer suspended for ordering infamous Koothuparamba firings, is made the state police chief.