Government rejects Ajith Kumar’s report, clears ADGP P. Vijayan in Punyam Poonkavanam case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has rejected a report submitted by ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar against ADGP P. Vijayan regarding the Sabarimala "Punyam Poonkavanam" project, effectively clearing Vijayan of any wrongdoing.

The government dismissed the report alleging irregularities in the project following an inquiry conducted by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Minhaj Alam. Alongside clearing Vijayan, the government has also directed that the Punyam Poonkavanam project be continued during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

The Punyam Poonkavanam initiative was implemented in Sabarimala under the leadership of ADGP P. Vijayan, who served as its nodal officer. The project focused on waste management and the services provided to devotees at the shrine.

The controversy originated from allegations of fund collection involving the project coordinator in Erumely. Following a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, the Kerala High Court registered a suo motu case. In 2023, a Division Bench of the High Court directed M.R. Ajith Kumar, who was then the ADGP for Law and Order, to conduct a preliminary inquiry.

Ajith Kumar subsequently submitted a report to the High Court containing serious allegations against P. Vijayan and pointing out irregularities in the project. Serving as the Sabarimala Chief Coordinator, Ajith Kumar also halted the Punyam Poonkavanam project.

Following these developments, the High Court directed that a government-level inquiry be conducted into the allegations against Vijayan. The resulting inquiry report concluded that no irregularities of any kind could be found in the utilisation of funds. P. Vijayan holds charge of Sabarimala in his capacity as an ADGP with law and order responsibilities.