Kerala High Court rejects central agency’s request to investigate MP PV Anwar’s corruption allegations against ADGP

On August 30, a recorded phone conversation between the ruling party MP and the Pathanamthitta Police Commissioner was leaked to the media. In the conversation, some allegations were made against the ADGP. A day after the phone conversation was leaked, the MP made various allegations against the ADGP. He said that the ADGP was involved in a gold smuggling gang in Dubai and with their information, his team seized gold from smugglers at Karipur airport. He reported only a fraction of the seized gold and kept the rest with himself.

He also alleged that the gang linked to ADGP was involved in the murder of Ridan Basil, whose body was found with bullet wounds in 2023. It was said that he may have been involved in the murder of more people. Other allegations were also made against the officer. It was said that the officer helped in acquitting several politicians in the solar scam case. He is also said to be tapping phone conversations of various politicians and ministers. The minister claimed that the SP told him that the ADGP was powerful as he had a close connection with the chief minister’s private secretary.

The Prime Minister ordered an investigation into the MP’s allegations on August 2. The complainant said the investigation was lagging and not making any progress. He added that the police could not fairly investigate a senior police officer. Therefore, he demanded a central agency investigation.

The Special Government Counsel submitted to the court that the plaintiff made an allegation that the investigation was not proper even before the first meeting of the Investigating Authority or the start of the investigation. The lawyer described the petition as “Legal disputes relating to public interests”.

In formulating the decision, the Court noted that the plaintiff had turned to the Court before the investigating authority had had the opportunity to investigate the allegations.

Case Title: George Vattakulam v. State of Kerala and another

Reference number: WP(C) 31458/ 2024