The action follows the raising of allegations by Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed Independent MLA P V Anwar against Das and Anwar. Anwar has accused Das of grave wrongdoing, including murder, disappearances, using plain-clothes squads to ambush smugglers for contraband gold and illegal tree felling from his government quarters while he served as the DPC in Malappuram.

Apart from Das, Anwar has also raised serious allegations of criminality and corruption against Ajit Kumar, against whom also action is likely soon.

Another allegation against Das is that he worked with District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force officers loyal to him in Malappuram to erase evidence of his crime. Mr. Anwar has also released a mobile phone recording of his conversation with Das. Das has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry report filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police S Ajeetha Begum.

In the mobile conversation, Das accused Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, P. Sasi of giving a free hand to Ajit Kumar. He has also made disparaging remarks against Kumar, who was accused of being a stooge of Sasi. The officer indulged in nepotism to help his relatives in business, Das pointed out.

That the government means business is clear from the fact that the high-level inquiry against the police was announced by the Chief Minister in the presence of Ajit Kumar at the Kerala Police Association’s State conference in Kottayam. The CM said on the occasion that if anyone thought they could act with impunity and in disregard of discipline, the outcome would be dire. Pinarayi said only a small fraction of officers tarnished the Government’s effort to make the police force people-friendly. “These individuals are a disgrace to the force and we have no place for them,” he added.

Another LDF-backed Independent MLA K T Jalil identified himself with the opinion voiced by Anwar, who has since met both the Chief Minister and CPI(M) state secretary M V Goivindan. Jalil said some IPA officers are leading an ivory tower existence removed from the travails of the common people. In another significant development, the Kerala Police Officers’ Association has supported Anwar’s statement.

Anwar has signalled his intent to press on with his allegations the two police officers. He also drew the attention of the Government to the attempts being made by plain-clothes policemen in northern Kerala to destroy evidence of gold smuggling and illegal tree-felling charges he had raised against Das. Incidentally, Das was in customs before entered the IPA and had “deep contacts” with the central agency.

Meanwhile, in another significant development, the new LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan is on record that the allegations against Sasi were serious and will be examined. Ramakrishnan, however, indirectly said – rightly so – that it would have been if Anwar had discussed the issue with the LDF before airing them before the media. Sasi, it is alleged, overlooked the alleged criminal activities of Ajit Kumar, including his involvement in gold smuggling.

Last but not the least, Anwar accused Sasi of ignoring the warnings and cautionary reports which should have alerted the Government to the ‘wrongdoings’ of those at the apex of law enforcement. Anwar said whatever he told the CM had been conveyed to Govindan too. Sasi kept the CM in the dark. The C M trusted the people who betrayed his confidence, Anwar said, adding that they betrayed the Government and the party.

In conclusion, it can safely be said that Anwar has done a good job in exposing the malcontents in the police force and the political godfathers who abet their crimes. The Chief Minister has done well in ordering the suspension of Sujit Das. Things should be taken to the logical conclusion by taking action against Ajit Kumar too. If the allegations against Sasi are proved right, then the powerful political secretary of the CM should not be spared either. This is the prevalent perception. It is clear that Anwar’s was not a mere individual outburst against the erring elements in police. He was voicing the opinion of a big section within the CPI(M) itself. The stage is set, therefore, for a full-fledged clean-up drive in Kerala Police. (IPA Service)