ADGP MR Ajith Kumar recommended again for President's Medal for Distinguished Service

T'puram: ADGP (armed police battalion) MR Ajith Kumar has reportedly been recommended once again for the President's Medal for Distinguished Service. It is learned that the state police chief has forwarded his name for the prestigious national honour for IPS officers for the sixth time.

Centre turned down Ajith Kumar's name on previous occasions after Intelligence agency reports allegedly raised a red flag due to the multiple allegations levelled against him.

The renewed recommendation comes close on the heels of significant developments concerning Ajith Kumar's standing within the state's policing hierarchy. He is awaiting elevation to the rank of DGP and is currently among the contenders being considered for the post of the next state police chief. Last week, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan approved the Vigilance department's report that gave a clean chit to Ajith Kumar in a disproportionate assets case. The case was initiated following allegations made by former Nilambur MLA PV Anvar but the Vigilance probe reportedly found no substance in his claims. The clearance seemingly has removed a major roadblock to his elevation as state police chief.

However, not all inquiries involving the officer have been closed. A separate crime branch investigation and a DGP-level inquiry relating to the controversial Pooram festival incident — where Ajith Kumar allegedly took unilateral decisions — are said to be moving at a slow pace. These pending investigations continue to cast a shadow over his career progression.

Notably, last year, when the Vigilance inquiry was still ongoing, the state govt refrained from recommending him for the President's Medal. This year's decision to put his name forward again is being viewed by some as a signal of the administration's growing confidence in his position, especially after the Vigilance clearance. Ajith Kumar himself was earlier awarded the President's Medal for Meritorious Service.

At the same time, another cloud looms in the form of a pending govt decision. A recommendation from the state police chief to register a case against Ajith Kumar — for allegedly giving false testimony in a case involving ADGP Vijayan — is still awaiting a final call from the govt.