Venugopal says law will take its course as suspense grows over ADGP’s future

Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 (IANS) AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Saturday made it clear that the UDF government would not extend protection to any police officer facing allegations, asserting that no one, however highly placed, is above the law, as suspense mounted over the fate of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar in connection with the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers in Alappuzha.

Venugopal said he understood that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had not yet submitted its final report and that any decision would naturally follow only after the investigation was completed.

“The law will take its course. No one will be protected,” he said.

His statement assumes significance as the government prepares to examine the findings of the SIT probing allegations relating to the assault on Youth Congress workers by members of the security detail of the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during an event in Alappuzha, which, incidentally, is the Lok Sabha constituency of Venugopal.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had, soon after assuming office, categorically declared that no effort would be spared in bringing to book those responsible for the alleged excesses against Youth Congress workers.

Acting on the findings that have emerged so far, five members of the former Chief Minister’s security team have already been placed under suspension.

Attention has now shifted to ADGP Ajith Kumar, who headed the state police’s law and order wing during the previous LDF government’s tenure and was widely regarded as one of the most influential police officers of that administration.

The SIT’s findings regarding his role are expected to be crucial in determining the government’s next course of action.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has maintained that the investigation has not yet concluded and that the government has not received any report suggesting that Ajith Kumar had derailed or interfered with the probe.

However, the state police chief has reportedly sought legal opinion on the SIT’s findings, after which the report is expected to be forwarded to the Home Minister.

The report has acquired added significance as Ajith Kumar is due to become eligible for promotion to the rank of Director General of Police following the retirement of a senior officer later this month.

Any adverse action based on the SIT’s findings could effectively halt that promotion, making the impending report one of the most closely watched documents before the Home Department.

–IANS

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