THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major development tied to last year’s Thrissur Pooram disruptions, DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib has officially recorded the statement of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar. His testimony reveals critical lapses in duty at a time when public order was at stake.

Ajith Kumar admitted that he was asleep when Revenue Minister K. Rajan tried to urgently contact him amid the unfolding disturbances. He claimed to have only learned about the situation the following morning, despite having coordinated with the minister until 10:30 p.m. the night before and issuing directions to his subordinates.

However, the DGP’s preliminary findings paint a grim picture. Ajith Kumar, who held charge of law and order for the festival, failed to respond when the crisis escalated—both by not visiting the venue and by allegedly switching off his phone post-midnight. The DGP’s internal review, based on intelligence inputs, official records, and officer statements, concluded that Ajith Kumar committed a “serious dereliction of duty.”

Though the government already has the DGP’s report, it has called for a renewed investigation, indicating the gravity of the issue. The officer’s lack of presence at the ground zero of one of Kerala’s most prominent festivals, despite clear prior warnings, adds to the controversy.