Who is IPS M.R. Ajith Kumar? Kerala Suspends Senior Officer Over Alleged Interference in Nava Kerala Sadas Assault Probe
Senior Kerala cadre IPS officer M.R. Ajith Kumar has found himself at the centre of a major political and administrative controversy after the Kerala Government placed him under suspension over allegations that he interfered in the investigation into the Nava Kerala Sadas assault case. The action comes after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a progress report alleging that the senior police officer influenced the direction of the probe, ultimately leading to the filing of a refer report that allegedly helped the accused avoid prosecution.
The suspension, ordered on July 24, 2026, marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken against a serving senior IPS officer in Kerala in recent years. A 1995-batch Indian Police Service officer, Ajith Kumar has held several high-profile assignments during his nearly three-decade-long career, including serving as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). At the time of his suspension, he was serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO).
The government has clarified that the suspension is only an interim administrative measure pending disciplinary proceedings. However, the allegations and the developments surrounding the politically sensitive case have attracted widespread attention across the state.
Kerala Government Orders Suspension Pending Departmental Proceedings
The suspension order was issued after the State Police Chief examined the findings submitted by the Special Investigation Team constituted by the Kerala Government earlier this year.
According to the government order, the SIT concluded that the investigation into the assault case had allegedly been influenced while Ajith Kumar was serving as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). The report claims that the investigation was diverted in a manner that eventually resulted in the filing of a refer report, effectively preventing criminal prosecution against those accused in the case.
Based on these findings, the government decided to place the senior IPS officer under suspension pending a detailed departmental inquiry. The disciplinary proceedings will now determine whether any misconduct was committed during the course of the investigation.
Why Was M.R. Ajith Kumar Suspended?
The controversy revolves around the investigation into an assault case linked to the Nava Kerala Sadas programme held in Alappuzha in December 2023.
According to the Kerala Government, the State Police Chief concluded that the original investigation was influenced through undue intervention allegedly originating from the office of the then ADGP (Law and Order), a position held by Ajith Kumar at the relevant time.
The government alleges that the probe was steered towards filing a refer report instead of pursuing prosecution against the accused individuals. Officials believe this altered the natural course of the investigation and benefited those named in the case.
These allegations form the basis of the disciplinary action now initiated against the senior officer.
SIT Investigation Points to Alleged Interference
The Special Investigation Team revisited the case after it was re-opened in 2026. As part of its inquiry, the SIT recorded statements from several officers who had participated in the original investigation.
One of the officers, Inspector K.P. Tomson, reportedly informed investigators that Ajith Kumar personally examined the case diary and questioned the direction of the investigation. According to his statement, the senior officer expressed dissatisfaction after investigators allegedly found evidence pointing towards members of the former Chief Minister’s security team.
Another officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunilraj, reportedly told investigators that messages received through senior officers suggested that the case involving the former Chief Minister’s personal security officer should be closed quickly through a refer report. The SIT also examined the role of officials attached to the ADGP’s office.
According to the investigation, two officers associated with the office allegedly performed multiple roles during different stages of the probe, ultimately contributing to the filing of the refer report.
These observations became an important part of the SIT’s progress report submitted to the government.
Ajith Kumar Rejects the Allegations
M.R. Ajith Kumar has categorically denied all allegations made against him. In his written response to the government, he maintained that he had never interfered with the investigation in any improper or illegal manner.
He also questioned the findings reached by the Special Investigation Team and requested copies of the relevant documents relied upon during the inquiry.
The senior IPS officer further sought access to the statements recorded from investigating officers so that he could verify their contents before submitting a detailed defence.
Despite his explanation, the State Police Chief reportedly found his reply unsatisfactory and recommended disciplinary action, following which the government ordered his suspension.
The Background of the Nava Kerala Sadas Assault Case
The controversy traces its origin to December 15, 2023, during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme organised by the then Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
On that day, members of the Youth Congress and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) allegedly waved black flags at the convoy of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Alappuzha as a mark of protest.
Soon after, opposition workers alleged that members of the Chief Minister’s security team assaulted them. The allegations triggered political controversy across Kerala.
At the time, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan defended the actions of his security personnel, stating that they were engaged in a rescue operation aimed at ensuring his safety.
Case Reopened After Change in Government
The investigation initially concluded with the Crime Branch filing a refer report in October 2024, effectively clearing the security personnel named in the complaint.
However, the jurisdictional magistrate court declined to accept the report and rejected it the following month.
After the change of government in Kerala in 2026, the case was reopened and handed over to a newly constituted Special Investigation Team.
The SIT began a fresh probe into the allegations and subsequently named five members of the former Chief Minister’s escort team as accused.
The reinvestigation also resulted in the suspension of five police personnel, including the former Chief Minister’s gunman, indicating the seriousness with which the government is treating the matter.
Who is IPS M.R. Ajith Kumar?
M.R. Ajith Kumar belongs to the 1995 batch of the Indian Police Service and is a Kerala cadre officer. He joined the IPS in September 1996 after completing his education at the University of Kerala.
During a career spanning almost three decades, he has served in several operational, investigative and administrative positions across the state police force.
He rose through the ranks to become one of Kerala Police’s senior-most officers and earned a reputation for handling several important assignments. In recognition of his services, he was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2012.
Important Positions Held During His Career
Over the years, Ajith Kumar has occupied several influential posts within the Kerala Police and the state administration. His major assignments include:
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Thrissur Range.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order).
Additional Director General of Police, Armed Police Battalions.
Excise Commissioner, Kerala.
Chairman and Managing Director, Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO), a position he assumed in March 2026.
His appointment as the head of BEVCO came after completing his tenure in one of the state’s highest policing positions.
A Significant Turning Point in His Career
The suspension represents one of the biggest challenges in the long professional career of M.R. Ajith Kumar.
Having served in several top policing assignments and held leadership roles within the Kerala administration, he now faces departmental proceedings over allegations that have generated intense political and public interest.
The disciplinary inquiry will examine whether he exercised improper influence over the investigation into the Nava Kerala Sadas assault case and whether his actions amounted to misconduct under service rules.
Until those proceedings are completed, he will remain under suspension as directed by the Kerala Government.
The outcome of the inquiry is likely to have significant implications, not only for Ajith Kumar’s career but also for a case that has remained one of Kerala’s most politically sensitive investigations in recent years.
