VACB clears Ajith Kumar of corruption charges in Kerala

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has cleared Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar of corruption charges made by P.V. Anvar, a politician from the All India Trinamool Congress. The VACB stated that their preliminary inquiry found no evidence warranting further investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The report was submitted to the Kerala government last week. If the government accepts this report, Ajith Kumar may be listed as a candidate for promotion to Kerala’s State Police Chief. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to make its recommendations in July. Anvar had claimed that Ajith Kumar amassed wealth through illegal means, particularly by receiving cuts from gold smuggling operations. He accused Kumar and his associates in the Chief Minister's Office of corruption during 2023-24. However, the VACB found no merit in these allegations. The VACB concluded that Ajith Kumar's property acquisitions were financed through a legitimate loan from a nationalized bank. Additionally, there was no evidence supporting claims that he profited from real estate transactions. Anvar's accusations had previously sparked a significant political controversy, including claims of police bias against minority communities in northern Kerala.