Kerala Home Department Backs SPC Report on Thrissur Pooram Controversy

Quick Summary:

• The Kerala Home Department endorsed a State Police Chief (SPC) report that flagged preventable oversights by law enforcement and temple management regarding the conduct of Thrissur Pooram ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
• A multi-tiered probe was ordered by the State Cabinet, with Additional Director General of Police, M.R. Ajith Kumar-present at the festival venue-falling under its scope.
• The Home Secretary recommended appropriate action based on the SPC’s findings but it is unclear whether specific blame was assigned to Mr. Ajith Kumar for policing flaws.
• Political controversy emerged, with Congress, CPI, and BJP criticizing police inefficiency during Thrissur Pooram. Revenue Minister K.Rajan stated a senior security officer failed to respond to urgent calls during critical moments.
• Congress and CPI alleged public opinion swayed following festival disruption, aiding BJP’s win in Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency; conspiracy theories involving RSS leadership were floated but unverified.
• The SPC’s report reportedly emphasized administrative blind spots rather than addressing political allegations and suggested better coordination among stakeholders for key aspects like crowd control, road closures, fireworks safety measures, and elephant processions.

Image references:

1. file picture highlighting political dimension amidst Lok sabha election campaign (80/PTI10032024000092B.jpg”>View image).
2. Festival-associated visuals from April 2024 (