Ajith Kumar gives clean chit to Police, blames Thiruvambady Devaswom for Pooram sabotage

ADGP Ajith Kumar’s inquiry report into the Thrissur Pooram sabotage has given a clean chit to the Kerala Police, asserting that the disruptions were part of a premeditated attempt to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The report, accessed by Onmanorama, identified that certain officials of the Thiruvambady Devaswom, along with their associates, including outsiders, conspired to disrupt the festival and manipulate public sentiment against the district administration and the state government.

The report identifies five Thiruvambady Devaswom officials — Sundar Menon, Gireesh Kumar, Vijaya Menon, Unnikrishnan and Ravi — along with their associates outside, like Jose Thonikkal and Krishnadas, as key conspirators. These individuals allegedly orchestrated the disruption by pre-deciding to turn off lights at Naduvilal at 1.18 am and Naykanal at 1.21 am, bringing the Pooram to an abrupt halt and sending back their six caparisoned elephants.

The report says their actions were aimed at provoking unrest among attendees and redirecting dissatisfaction toward the district administration and the state government. CCTV footage, witness statements, and other evidence confirmed that these disruptions were deliberate and pre-planned, said Kumar in the report.

Kumar also identified a significant aspect of the controversy: the district administration’s refusal to relax Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) norms for the fireworks display. The administration also denied Thiruvambady’s request to extend public access to the sterile zone until 2:30 a.m., citing safety concerns.

Statements from Thiruvambady Devaswom Joint Secretary Sreedharan revealed that the Devaswom had planned to halt the festival if their intentions were not met and police put barricades in place to control the public. The report criticises Thiruvambady for violating rituals and customs, marking the first time in history that the Pooram was abruptly stopped.

In stark contrast, the Paramekkavu Devaswom conducted all its rituals smoothly and peacefully. Until 1 am on April 20, the festival had been progressing without any issues, with police ensuring a seamless experience for devotees, the report stated.

Kumar’s report also underscores that the disruptions were driven by Thiruvambady’s intent to force the state government into accepting their 'unlawful demands'. "These actions were exploited by parties with vested interests to gain political mileage during the Lok Sabha elections," the report noted.