‘Crime Branch report is completely wrong’: Thiruvambady Devaswom seeks fresh probe into Thrissur Pooram disruption

THRISSUR: Thiruvambady Devaswom has called for a fresh investigation into the disruption of Thrissur Pooram, with Devaswom secretary K Gireesh Kumar criticising the current investigation report as an attempt to turn the complainant into the accused. His remarks came after the Crime Branch chief submitted a report to the government seeking permission to file a chargesheet against Devaswom office-bearers.

“The Crime Branch report is completely wrong. Is it not wrong to claim that all the representatives of Thiruvambady Devaswom together disrupted the Pooram? If the Devaswom has committed any lapses, we are ready to correct them if they are clearly identified. The Devaswom would never attempt to disrupt the Pooram or diminish its grandeur,” Gireesh Kumar said.

He described the report as an attempt to turn the complainant into the accused, adding that the Devaswom would discuss the matter with the chief minister, home minister and Devaswom minister on Thursday or Friday. It would explain the facts to them before deciding on further action, he said.

The Crime Branch has submitted its investigation report on the alleged disruption of Thrissur Pooram to the government. The report, submitted to the Home Department, seeks permission to file a chargesheet against eight office-bearers of Thiruvambady Devaswom. Serious charges, including criminal conspiracy and incitement to riot, have been invoked against them. However, the report makes no mention of the alleged role of ADGP M R Ajith Kumar, who had also faced allegations in connection with the Pooram disruption.

The Pinarayi Vijayan government ordered the investigation in October 2024. At the time, the Opposition and others had alleged that Ajith Kumar had conspired with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to disrupt the festival.

Former state police chief Darvesh Sahib had earlier submitted a report to the then government pointing to lapses in the discharge of official duties, but no further action had followed.

The latest report has now emerged, focusing on alleged lapses by Thiruvambady Devaswom, while making no reference to Ajith Kumar’s alleged role in the incident.