Kerala: CPM MLA PV Anvar firm on his allegations against senior police officials; Pinarayi faces leadership dilemma

Thiruvananthapuram: PV Anvar, CPM MLA, remains firm in his stance against top police officials and the political secretary to the chief minister, despite a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. After accusing Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) MR Ajit Kumar, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary P Sasi, and Pathanamthitta District Police Chief Sujit Das, Anvar met with Vijayan on Monday. However, upon emerging from the meeting, Anvar appeared more restrained, stating he had left the matter in the hands of the chief minister.

Anvar expressed confidence that further evidence would be provided to Vijayan, with the expectation that the ADGP would be replaced. He emphasised that his actions were in line with his duty as a “comrade” and avoided addressing his previous accusations against P Sasi when questioned by the media.

However, the situation escalated the following day when Anvar met with CPM State Secretary MV Govindan. After the meeting, Anvar reiterated his grievances but voiced dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to initiate departmental inquiries, criticising the process as biased. He likened it to “an inquiry against a Head Master by a peon” and questioned the fairness of the investigation, given that the officers involved report to ADGP Ajitkumar.

Anvar stressed that both the party and the government bear responsibility for ensuring justice and vowed to uphold his allegations, stating he stands with the people.

Anvar’s persistent accusations against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajitkumar and the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, P Sasi, have plunged the state’s leadership into a significant crisis.

After meeting with Pinarayi Vijayan, Anvar expressed hope that the Chief Minister would take appropriate action but remained steadfast in his belief that the ADGP should be replaced. Anvar, who described Vijayan as a father figure, declared that he had left the matter in Vijayan’s hands, though he emphasized his role as a “comrade” who had fulfilled his duty by raising these concerns.

In a subsequent meeting with CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan, Anvar reiterated his grievances but received no assurances. He openly criticized the government’s decision to launch departmental inquiries, stating that officers subordinate to ADGP Ajitkumar would oversee the investigation, which he dismissed as unjust. “It’s like a peon investigating a Head Master,” Anvar quipped, underscoring his lack of faith in the process.

Anvar’s Persistence and Public Support

Anvar, unyielding in his stance, emphasised that his concerns reflect the sentiments of the people and the thousands of CPM comrades who voted the Left Democratic Front (LDF) into power. He insisted that the government and the party cannot evade responsibility, adding, “I speak for the poor people who want the government to continue.” Anvar highlighted past controversies involving the police, including the mishandling of the Thrissur Pooram festival, as examples of systemic failures.

Declaring that “God is with him,” Anvar asserted that he would only surrender to God and his party, resisting any external forces. He further claimed that the officials appointed by the Chief Minister had failed in their responsibilities, and justice could only be achieved through sincere investigations by unbiased officers.

Anvar welcomed the suspension of Pathanamthitta District Police Chief Sujit Das, whom he had previously accused of involvement in gold smuggling through Kozhikode airport. He made it clear that he had raised the facts, and it was now the responsibility of investigative agencies to uncover the truth.

Surprising Support from Key Figures

Anvar’s accusations have found unexpected support from two Pinarayi loyalists, KT Jaleel and Karat Razak, both CPM MLAs. Jaleel, who had previously faced controversy over his remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, backed Anvar’s call for accountability, stating, “Those who eat salt will have to drink water.” Razak, who has also faced scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case, echoed Anvar’s concerns, accusing P. Sasi of protecting corrupt bureaucrats for personal gain.

U. Prathibha, another CPM MLA, added her voice to the growing chorus of support for Anvar, calling for the removal of wrongdoers within the party, likening the situation to a thief hiding in the ship.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

With prominent party figures rallying behind Anvar, Pinarayi Vijayan finds himself in a precarious position. The Chief Minister is reportedly reluctant to act against P. Sasi and ADGP Ajitkumar, fearing that a thorough investigation could bring more damaging revelations and adversely affect the government.

Political observers note that Vijayan’s decision to assign subordinate officers to investigate Ajitkumar’s conduct is a move to shield the government from further fallout. However, this has done little to appease Anvar and his growing base of supporters.

Developments in Missing Businessman Case

Adding to the tension, the Malappuram District Police Chief, who also heads the Special Investigation Team, has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the disappearance of Kozhikode real estate businessman Mohammed Attoor alias Mami, who has been missing for over a year. Anvar has alleged that Mami was murdered, suggesting a connection between his disappearance and the gold smuggling operations tied to ADGP Ajitkumar.

As Pinarayi Vijayan faces the most significant crisis of his leadership since taking office in 2016, political analysts are watching closely to see how the Chief Minister will navigate the escalating tensions within his party.