The Kerala government has promoted Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP), despite his involvement in ongoing investigations related to lapses in security arrangements during the Thrissur Pooram festival.
Ajith Kumar, a senior IPS officer, has been facing scrutiny over alleged failures in maintaining adequate security measures during the iconic Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala’s largest and most celebrated festivals. His promotion has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and civil society groups, who question the rationale behind advancing his rank while probes are still underway.
The promotion was part of a larger reshuffle in the state’s police force. Government sources defended the decision, citing Ajith Kumar’s overall career record and experience. However, critics argue that his elevation undermines accountability and could influence the ongoing inquiry into the security lapses.
The Thrissur Pooram incident raised serious safety concerns after reported breaches in crowd control and coordination, for which Ajith Kumar’s leadership came under the scanner. The outcome of the investigation is awaited, and this promotion has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.
