The ADGP’s report had triggered a fresh controversy after it was criticised that the conspiracy angle was overlooked during the inquiry. The UDF and CPM-backed MLA P V Anvar had alleged that the Pooram was sabotaged to help the BJP make electoral gains in the Lok Sabha polls and the ADGP was the architect behind the plan.

The police had earlier suspended the police state information officer, who gave a reply to an RTI query that the Police Headquarters had no information about such an inquiry on Thrissur Pooram disruption. This reply had pushed the government on a backfoot following which the CM answered that an inquiry was conducted and the report would be filed on September 24.

‘ADGP disrupted Pooram with CM’s knowledge’

T’Puram: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan accused ADGP M R Ajith Kumar of disrupting Thrissur Pooram with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s knowledge, reiterating the Congress’ call for a judicial inquiry. “The ADGP acted with the CM’s knowledge, replacing the original plan set by the then Thrissur commissioner to sabotage the event,” Satheesan said in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

Govt seeks more time to file counter affidavit

Kochi: The state government on Thursday sought three weeks more time to file a counter affidavit in response to a petition alleging excessive use of force by the police and illegal restrictions imposed by former Thrissur district police chief Ankit Asokan during the Thrissur Pooram held on April 19 and 20. This is the second time the government has sought more time to file an affidavit.