The ongoing tussle between the Kerala CPI(M)’s two factions, one led by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and the other by state unit Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, has intensified over the suspension of a top IPS officer — an IGP. The top cop has been suspended for going abroad without prior permission from his department and the government.
Since the IGP was a well-wisher of the Pinarayi faction, the home minister of the state had recommended mild action, removing the top cop from being in charge of law and order in the Kannur range, the most politically sensitive area of the state. The chief minister, however, has instructed the chief secretary to suspend him from service.