The appointment has fuelled speculation about a wider reshuffle within the police force, especially regarding the key position of ADGP (Law and Order) that Manoj Abraham is set to leave
Published Apr 26, 2025 | 8:24 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 26, 2025 | 8:24 PM
Manoj Abraham promoted as DGP
Synopsis: Senior IPS officer Manoj Abraham has been promoted to Director General of Police (DGP) and will lead Kerala’s Fire and Rescue Services after K Padmakumar’s retirement. His appointment sparks speculation about a police reshuffle, especially for the ADGP (Law and Order) post. Attention also shifts to M R Ajith Kumar, who is poised for promotion in July 2025
In a significant development within the Kerala Police, senior officer Manoj Abraham IPS, currently serving as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, has been promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).
He will assume charge as the new head of the Fire and Rescue Services Department following the retirement of the incumbent DGP, K Padmakumar IPS, on 30 April.
The appointment comes amid swirling speculation about a broader reshuffle within the police force, particularly concerning the critical post of ADGP (Law and Order), which Manoj Abraham vacates.
Attention now turns to the potential promotion of MR Ajith Kumar, currently serving as Battalions ADGP. Ajith Kumar, who enjoys proximity to the Chief Minister, had earlier been recommended for DGP rank by a high-level screening committee, a proposal accepted by the State Cabinet in December.
He is expected to be promoted to DGP in July 2025 following the scheduled retirement of State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb.
However, Ajith Kumar’s rise within the ranks has been shadowed by controversy. He was previously removed from the prestigious post of ADGP (Law and Order) after becoming embroiled in multiple scandals, including allegations related to the Thrissur Pooram security lapses, disproportionate assets, phone tapping, and other serious charges.
His removal paved the way for Manoj Abraham’s appointment to the key position.
Adding to Ajith Kumar’s troubles, Kerala State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb recently recommended that civil and criminal proceedings be initiated against him.
The recommendation stems from a complaint lodged by ADGP P Vijayan, who heads the State Intelligence Wing. Vijayan accused Ajith Kumar of falsely implicating him in the Karipur gold smuggling case by claiming that Malappuram SP Sujith Das had tipped him off.
However, Sujith Das publicly denied making any such statement, further weakening Ajith Kumar’s position.
Following the inquiry, DGP Darvesh Saheb reportedly submitted his findings to the state government, recommending legal action against Ajith Kumar. The government, however, has yet to make a decision on the recommendation.
As Manoj Abraham prepares to take charge of the Fire and Rescue Services, the question of who will succeed him as ADGP (Law and Order) — a pivotal role in Kerala’s policing hierarchy — remains open.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
