An inquiry report submitted by State Police Chief (SPC) Shaik Darvesh Saheb to the State government has reportedly made serious observations against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar, citing lapses in handling the disruptions that marred the iconic Thrissur Pooram festival last year.

The government had instituted a multi-tiered probe into the controversy, which is widely believed to have dealt a political blow to ruling Left Democratic Front dispensation, particularly with the Lok Sabha elections imminent at the time.

Various quarters, including the Communist Party of India, firmly believed that the mishandling of the festival had contributed significantly to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) surprise victory in the Thrissur constituency.

The SPC is learnt to have flagged various lapses on the part of Mr. Kumar, who was tasked with overseeing security during the festival. He allegedly ignored key warnings and failed to intervene even after receiving direct calls from Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who had flagged a brewing conflict between the Thrissur City police and representatives of the Thiruvambady Devaswom.

The disruption at the festival triggered widespread public outrage. The festival procession was blocked, devotees were baton-charged, and barricades shut down access to major parts of the city. Even mahouts and others were forcibly removed, causing the traditional ‘Ezhunnallippu’ (ceremonial procession) and percussion performances to be halted midway.