‘Not a decision that required a political stance': P. Jayarajan backs Kerala govt's DGP pick Ravada amid Koothuparamba firing row
Amid political chatter over the appointment of Ravada A. Chandrasekhar as the Kerala State Police Chief, senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader P. Jayarajan on Monday (June 30, 2025) said the decision was 'not one that required a political stance, though the government should explain its rationale.'
He said the appointment was made based on merit and that it was the government's 'prerogative.'
Mr. Chandrasekhar was one of the accused in 1994 Koothuparamba firing case but was acquitted in 2012.
Mr. Jayarajan acknowledged Mr. Chandrasekhar's presence during the incident but clarified that he was part of a group of officers who jointly acted on the day of the firing, and 'not the sole person responsible.'
'From a political standpoint, many police officers have taken action at various times that were seen as antagonistic to the CPI(M) and the Left movement,' Mr. Jayarajan told the media in Kannur.
He said the then Minister M.V. Raghavan had reached Koothuparamba under the protection of police officers, including DySP Hakim Bathery, and the firing took place after tensions escalated.
Mr. Jayarajan also recalled another controversial figure in the running for the DGP post – Nitin Agarwal – against whom the CPI(M) had pursued legal action. He was accused of custodial violence against M. Sukumaran, now the party's area secretary, during a CPI(M)-RSS clash years ago.
'We took strong action against such behaviour in the past,' Mr. Jayarajan said.
Govindan defends appointment
CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan defended the appointment stating that Mr. Chandrasekhar had joined duty only days before the incident and was fresh out of IPS training. The court had exonerated him based on the findings of the inquiry commission, he noted.
'A person cannot be punished merely for being named in a case,' Mr. Govindan said, adding that the party supports the government's decision.
He also downplayed Mr. Jayarajan's remark, saying this should not be seen as criticism but as 'a call for clarity.'
The government reportedly considered three names for the top post, ultimately selecting Mr. Chandrasekhar based on professional credentials, he added.
Mr. Govindan said efforts to stir a controversy were 'typical of the right-wing media', adding that the matter should not be politicised.
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