Latest news with #ThrissurPooram
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kerala govt returns former police chief's report against ADGP Ajith Kumar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has returned the report of former State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb on ADGP M R Ajith Kumar's alleged lapses during the 2024 Thrissur Pooram to the Police Headquarters (PHQ). It has been returned seeking remarks of the new Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar, sources told TNIE. The move of the state government appears outlandish as the report was prepared after a detailed probe by a former police chief, who is senior to Ravada. What makes the matter even more strange is the fact that the present police chief was never involved in any of the inquiries conducted against Ajith. Sources said the government's decision to return the report to the PHQ appeared suspicious. The government has been under pressure to take action on the basis of the report and by returning the report to the PHQ, the government might be trying to buy more time, sources suggested. The report prepared by Shaik allegedly has critical remarks against Ajith and yet if the incumbent police chief suggests a mild action against the officer -- like issuing a warning -- then that would give the government an excuse to go soft on the officer, who has been caught in the eye of the storm ever since former Nilambur legislator P V Anvar raised a slew of serious allegations against him, including allegedly hobnobbing with the RSS leaders. Shaik had filed his report with the government in the last week of June, just days before his retirement, where he reportedly stated that there were lapses from Ajith's part during the pooram. Revenue Minister K Rajan had testified that when the pooram faced disruption, he tried to reach Ajith over phone and that he did not respond. Responding to this, the officer stated before the police chief that when the minister telephoned him, he had returned to his room after overseeing all the security preparations and fallen asleep, because of which he did not see the calls. The report said the officer's reply showed his failure in performing responsibilities. After Shaik filed the report with the government, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) noted in the file that the matter was serious in nature and forwarded it to the chief minister for action.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Thrissur Pooram case: Home secy endorses action against Ajith Kumar
Thiruvananthapuram: Additional chief secretary (home and vigilance) endorsed former state police chief's report recommending action against ADGP M R Ajith Kumar in connection with serious lapses during Thrissur Pooram celebrations, it is reliably learned. The report, prepared by former DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib and now forwarded to the chief minister, cites a grave dereliction of duty and recommended disciplinary proceedings against the senior officer. The police chief's report, it is learned, points out that Kumar, the senior-most officer on duty present in Thrissur, failed to act even as tensions escalated during the Pooram in 2024. Despite being alerted by revenue minister K Rajan about an altercation between then Thrissur commissioner Ankit Asok and the Pooram organisers, Kumar reportedly assured that he would review the situation at night and handle it appropriately. However, when the situation deteriorated, the officer allegedly became unreachable. Rajan is learned to have told the inquiry team that Kumar didn't respond to calls made during the peak of the crisis. Govt announced a three-tier investigation into the incident and the current development comes nearly a year after the probe was initiated. The home secretary's endorsement of police chief's findings signals govt's seriousness in acting on the internal report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Αθήνα: Ζητούνται 200 άτομα για δωρεάν δοκιμή ακουστικού Akoustica Medica Undo Kumar faced multiple controversies during his career. He was appointed as director of vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB) in April 2022 and took charge on April 22. But in May 2022, VACB faced criticism for its handling of the detention of P S Sarith, an accused in the Thiruvananthapuram gold smuggling case. On June 10, 2022, he was removed as vigilance chief. Subsequently, he was appointed as ADGP (protection of civil rights), a newly created post. By Oct 2022, he was reinstated as ADGP (law and order). However, on Oct 6, 2024, govt once again removed him from the post following an adverse report by then DGP Sahib and political pressure from ruling allies, CPI and RJD. The charge of law and order was then handed over to Manoj Abraham, though Kumar continued to head the armed police battalion. On Jan 30, 2025, he was relieved of his additional post as central sports officer. Besides this, Kumar was in the spotlight over other controversies too. He faced a vigilance probe for alleged amassment of wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. Though an inquiry eventually exonerated him, the episode added to the cloud over his public image. He was then dragged into a controversy over alleged links to a gold smuggling racket — a charge publicly levelled by former MLA P V Anvar — though no official action followed those claims.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala Home department endorses SPC's report on Thrissur Pooram ‘disruption' controversy
The Kerala Home department has reportedly endorsed the then State Police Chief's (SPC) report which states that a sequence of preventable oversights on the part of the State law enforcement and certain sections of the temple management contributed to the widespread public dissatisfaction over the conduct of the iconic Thrissur Pooram ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The State Cabinet had ordered the then SPC Sheikh Darvesh Saheb to conduct a multi-tiered probe into the alleged Thrissur Pooram 'disruption'. It brought the then Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, M. R. Ajith Kumar, who was the highest-ranking officer at the festival venue, under the investigation's ambit. According to official sources, Home Secretary Biswanath Sinha 'made a note recommending appropriate action' on the SPC's report and forwarded it to the Cabinet. However, the officials said they were unsure whether the report pointedly blamed Mr. Ajith Kumar for the 'policing flaws'. The Thrissur Pooram 'disruption' controversy rapidly acquired a political dimension during the heat of the Lok Sabha election campaign. The Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later faulted the State police for 'botching' the festival. Subsequently, Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who is in charge of Thrissur district and was actively involved in the festival's conduct, seemed to tacitly endorse the CPI's accusation by stating that a top-ranking official in charge of the festival's security, crowd control, fireworks, public safety, emergency response and traffic management did not respond to his urgent calls. Public opinion 'hit' ahead of polls Later, the Congress and the CPI alleged that the festival's 'disruption' had adversely impacted public opinion and paved the way for the BJP's resounding win in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency. Both parties signalled a conspiracy allegedly involving a ranking officer and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leadership to bolster the BJP's chances of bagging the Thrissur seat. According to officials, the SPC's report blamed administrative, planning and law enforcement 'blind spots' for the 'brief discontinuance' of the festivities. They said the SPC's investigation possibly side-stepped the political controversies centred around the issue and focussed more on providing a roadmap for the festival's smooth conduct. The SPC also reportedly emphasised the need for stakeholders, including the Thiruvambady-Paramekkavu Devaswoms and the district administration, to reach a consensus on sensitive matters such as crowd control, road closures, vehicular and pedestrian traffic management, fireworks, and elephant processions, rather than making arbitrary and impromptu decisions that cause unnecessary friction.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A thunderous finale to the National Percussion Festival
The concluding day of the three-day National Percussion Festival on Sunday offered a resounding feast for the senses, leaving percussion enthusiasts thoroughly enthralled. It was an experience that surpassed even the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram as the country's most celebrated percussion maestros converged on a single stage across various sessions. The atmosphere echoed like a thunderstorm of beats, marking a truly unforgettable conclusion to the festival. The final day programmes began with a stunning performance of Pandi Melam by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar and his ensemble. As early as morning, rhythm aficionados began flowing into the Actor Murali Theatre, drawn by the sheer anticipation of experiencing the majestic power of Mr. Marar's artistry. Once the melam began, the entire gallery was engulfed in rhythm. Some of them closed their eyes and sank into deep, meditative immersion, while others could not resist joining the beat, nodding heads, swaying arms, completely absorbed in the pulsating energy. The spectators did not just watch; they felt the performance. The dynamic intensity radiating from the stage reached straight into their hearts. 130 percussionists The power of Pandi Melam lies in its unbridled rawness, what performers describe as a celebration of wilderness through rhythm. The most captivating feature of the Pandi Melam is its use of the 'kolumpal' technique, which magnifies its primal appeal. A total of 130 percussionists joined in, delivering a thunderous performance that left the audience in awe. Another highlight of the final day was a panel discussion titled 'Thaalagopurangal: Rhythm and Cultural History,' held in the Black Box venue. Moderated by N.P. Vijayakrishnan, the session brought together percussion legends across Kerala's major rhythm traditions. On Sunday, the thayambaka performance drew percussion lovers from across the State to the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi grounds, many arriving solely to witness this rhythmic spectacle. Led by Kalloor Ramankutty and his ensemble, the performance unfolded the infinite possibilities of thayambaka, weaving a spellbinding tapestry of rhythm that resonated through the atmosphere. Beginning in a subdued tempo, the pace gradually intensified, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that left the audience spellbound. Dynamic experience A total of 68 percussionists took part in the performance, under the direction of 22 master percussionists, creating a dynamic and immersive rhythmic experience. The audience responded in unison, not just as spectators, but as co-travellers in a powerful journey through rhythm and tempo. Bhoospandanagal, a Jugalbandhi performed by Sukhad Munde, Tejovrush Joshi and Santhosh Khande drew attention. The festival concluded with a breathtaking performance, Chairman's Symphony, led by akademi chairperson Mattannur Sankarankutty. The National Percussion Festival, organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, was an unprecedented cultural triumph, said akademi secretary Karivellur Murali. 'Held as a tribute to tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, the festival, titled 'Thathinthakathom,' made history as the first of its kind percussion-only festival in Kerala. Over 1,000 artistes took part in it, performing in front of a combined audience of nearly 5,000 percussion lovers. Despite being held during the monsoon, every performance unfolded before packed audiences, a testament to the festival's magnetic pull,' he said.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala Crime Branch questioned Union Minister Suresh Gopi as part of Thrissur Pooram ‘disruption' probe
The Kerala Police confirmed on Monday (July 7, 2025) that State Crime Branch (CB) investigators had questioned Union Minister Suresh Gopi as part of a sweeping government-ordered inquiry into the alleged disruption of Thrissur Pooram in 2024. However, CB officials averred that the agency preferred to keep the time or where they questioned Mr. Gopi confidential for now, given the politically sensitive nature of the investigation. The Thrissur Pooram controversy took on political overtones as it dominated the campaign narrative in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Gopi found himself at the centre of the dispute after he rode in an ambulance, allegedly flashing its overhead lights and sounding the siren, to the festival office, which the police and district authorities had declared off-limits for vehicles and civilians on the night of the iconic fireworks. Seva Bharathi, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), owned the ambulance. Subsequently, the police and the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) booked Mr. Gopi and the operator on the charge of misusing an emergency response vehicle for casual transport. Mobile phone videos of Mr. Gopi parleying with apparently distraught Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms went viral on conventional and social media in the run-up to the poll day on April 26, 2024. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition quickly accused the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of throwing the Thrissur Lok Sabha poll to Mr Gopi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the constituency, by 'wilfully scuttling Thrissur Pooram to stoke Hindu majoritarian religious sentiment among voters.' Mr. Gopi's opponent, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader V.S. Sunilkumar and Congress' standard-bearer in the constituency, K. Muraleedharan, accused the State police of allowing the BJP candidate to gain political mileage by emerging as a champion of Thrissur Pooram lovers, a significant electoral bloc in the constituency. The alleged disarray in the conduct of the festival had caused considerable disquiet among the mammoth festival crowd and the general public, prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to order a three-tier investigation last year. Subsequently, the CB formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the cognisable offences detailed in the preliminary police enquiry report about the festival 'disruption'. The SIT will likely submit its report to the Additional Director General of Police, Crime Branch, H. Venkatesh.
