THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The report submitted by ADGP M R Ajithkumar regarding the Thrissur Pooram messing up has been rejected by the Home Secretary, who has recommended two fresh investigations. This move follows a recommendation from Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha to the state government.

The new investigations include a Crime Branch inquiry into the alleged conspiracy behind the Pooram riots and a DGP-level probe into five critical lapses identified by the police chief in Ajithkumar’s supervision. The Home Secretary submitted this recommendation yesterday morning. However, the Chief Minister, before leaving for Delhi, did not take any decision on the matter. Although there were discussions about initiating a judicial inquiry, the idea was dropped to avoid it being perceived as a win for the opposition.

ADGP Ajithkumar’s report attributed the chaos to the lack of experience of Thrissur Police Commissioner Ankit Asokan, also suggesting that the Thiruvambadi Devaswom played a role in the disruption. Notably, he absolved the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG), who were present during the incident, from any responsibility.

DGP dismissed Ajithkumar’s findings, outlining significant lapses in his supervision and calling for an investigation into the conspiracy. Despite the rejection, no action has been taken so far and a fresh investigation is underway.

Key lapses in Ajith Kumar’s supervision as identified by DGP

1. Ajith Kumar altered the security plan proposed by Commissioner Ankit Asokan at the last minute, introducing more restrictions to address security concerns.

2. Despite arriving in Thrissur two days prior to the event, Ajithkumar did not oversee preparations on the day itself. Instead, he spent the day at a guesthouse and the DIG office, 6 km away from the event site.

3. On the night of the incident, even though he was aware of the issues, Ajithkumar failed to intervene. As a senior officer, his direct involvement was crucial during such a crisis.

4. Despite repeated calls from three ministers, Ajithkumar did not respond, later turning off his phone. His failure to act compounded the lapses by the Commissioner.

5. Ajithkumar delayed submitting a report on the five failures identified during the Pooram confusion. The report, which was supposed to be submitted within a week, was delayed for five months, allowing the IG and DIG to evade responsibility.

It was also revealed that Ajithkumar had applied for leave in advance, on April 19, the day after the event. Since it was a one-day leave, the DGP did not assign his duties to another officer. Ajithkumar assured the DGP that he was still in Thrissur and would monitor the situation. However, on April 20, he left for Mookambika in the afternoon, further raising questions about his involvement in the aftermath of the event.