Controversial Appointment: Ravada A Chandrasekhar Named Kerala Police Chief Amid CPI(M) Rift
Ravada A Chandrasekhar, a senior IPS officer, is appointed as Kerala's state police chief, causing a divide within the ruling CPI(M) due to past murder charges related to the Koothuparamba police firing case. The government's decision is defended by some party leaders as an administrative choice based on merit.
- Country:
- India
The Kerala government stirred controversy with the appointment of senior IPS officer Ravada A Chandrasekhar as the new state police chief. His selection, finalized during a special cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is backed by the Kerala High Court's clearance of past charges against him related to the 1994 Koothuparamba incident.
Despite facing murder charges in the high-profile police firing case, which resulted in the deaths of five DYFI activists, Chandrasekhar's case was quashed in 2012, as noted by the court. Nevertheless, divisions remain within the CPI(M), with prominent leader P Jayarajan voicing concerns, although party officials emphasize the merit-based nature of the appointment.
Chandrasekhar is set to succeed outgoing police chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb and will assume his new role amidst ongoing debate. The choice follows recommendations by the Union Public Service Commission, in line with governmental procedures. The move, however, continues to elicit varied political reactions across the state.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News