Kerala Governor Dr. Arif Mohammad Khan has taken a strong stance on the phone snooping scandal affecting ministers, MLAs, police officials, and media personnel. In a formal letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Governor has requested detailed information on the actions taken in response to the issue. The intervention follows the disclosure of an audio clip involving a conversation between CPM leader P.V. Anvar MLA and an IPS officer, which has raised serious concerns about unauthorized surveillance and misuse of government power.
Arif Mohammad Khan highlighted that intercepted conversations reveal a troubling nexus between police officers and criminals. Governor concludes his letter by saying that certain individuals use the government’s software illegally and unauthorisedly; it negates the people’s constitutional rights. Therefore, government should intervene urgently.
Recently, a journal reported allegations by CPM leader P V Anvar MLA against M.R. Ajitkumar IPS, Additional Inspector General of Police (ADGP). Anvar accused Ajitkumar of illegal phone snooping on high-profile individuals, including ministers and media persons, with implications of support from the Chief Minister’s office. The allegations included a suspected connection between Ajitkumar and the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, P. Sasi, and the appointment of a cyber cell assistant to facilitate this snooping. Furthermore, Anvar alleged a nexus between the Customs Department and Pathanamthitta District Police Chief Sujit Das IPS in gold smuggling operations through Karippur Airport, Kozhikode.
In a recent leadership meeting of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) on September 11, no actions were recommended against ADGP M.R. Ajitkumar despite the serious allegations. Newly appointed LDF Convener T.P. Ramakrishnan stated that no one can be punished based solely on allegations and that the party would await the report from the Enquiry Committee.
Ajitkumar, who had applied for a four-day leave starting September 14, has since withdrawn his application. Observers suggest that his withdrawal reflects the support he continues to receive from the ruling establishment, as no actions have been taken against him despite the accusations from CPM leader P V Anvar MLA.
