An investigation report submitted by State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar to the Home Secretary reportedly concedes that Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar committed lapses by travelling on a tractor from Pampa to a spot near the Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
The ADGP himself had admitted that he travelled on a police tractor. In the report, the State Police Chief mentions that this should have been avoided and such incidents should not be repeated.
Though the report does not contain any recommendations for disciplinary action as the matter is sub judice, the Chief Minister, who handles the Home portfolio, is likely to take a call on the incident based on instructions of the court.
Tractors are meant to transport goods to the hill temple. In 2021, the Kerala High Court had banned people from travelling on tractors due to the risk involved in the journey along the crowded trekking path and reckless driving on the terrain.
The Kerala High Court had termed the act of Mr. Kumar last week as “unfortunate.” He had also submitted a letter to the State Police Chief stating that he boarded the tractor because he was “tired while climbing the trekking path.”
R. Jayakrishnan, Sabarimala Special Commissioner, had informed the court that the ADGP had violated the court directive not to allow people to use tractors meant for transportation of goods to the Sannidhanam.
Published – July 19, 2025 09:39 pm IST
