Additional Director General of Police (Battalion) M R Ajith Kumar courted controversy after he travelled on a tractor along the forest path from Pamba to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple on July 12, returning the next day. The Kerala High Court had earlier restricted the use of tractors on the sacred path, allowing them only for transporting goods—not for carrying passengers.
The court’s Devaswom bench criticized the move as a clear violation of judicial orders and asked the police to submit a detailed report on the lapse. The IPS officer, reportedly unwell during the journey, was advised by the court that an ambulance should have been used instead.
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Case Filed Against Driver, Officer Faces Public and Legal Heat
Following the incident, police registered a case against the tractor driver for carrying three persons in violation of the court’s directive. The tractor was reportedly a government vehicle belonging to the police, and the driver is a police staffer.
While the case has officially been filed against the driver, concerns have been raised about scapegoating a subordinate for the senior officer’s decision. Critics argue that responsibility lies with Ajith Kumar, who sanctioned and undertook the ride.
Officer Already Under Spotlight for Past Incidents
Ajith Kumar has previously made headlines for his controversial actions. He was involved in a row during the 2024 Thrissur Pooram festival and faced criticism for meeting senior leaders of the RSS, triggering political and administrative concerns.
This latest episode adds to a growing list of incidents tied to the officer, further fueling the perception of repeated disregard for protocol.
Political Undercurrents and CM Link Add Complexity
Kerala Revenue Minister P. Rajan condemned the officer’s conduct, remarking, “Basic common sense cannot be taught.” Meanwhile, political observers have noted that Ajith Kumar is perceived as a close aide of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, complicating the matter further.
There are allegations that the backlash may be politically charged and that the real accountability could be obscured if lower-level personnel are made scapegoats. The Kerala High Court has demanded a comprehensive explanation and is expected to monitor compliance strictly in future instances of Sabarimala pilgrimage logistics.
