New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: The race to become Kerala‘s next Director General of Police (DGP) has taken a dramatic turn following the suspension of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar (IPS:1995:KL). With the retirement of Nitin Agrawal (IPS:1989:KL) as Director General of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services on July 31, 2026, attention has shifted to who will lead the state’s police force.
The latest developments have placed S. Sreejith (IPS:1996:KL), currently serving as Director General, Kerala Prisons & Correctional Services, firmly in the spotlight. Sources indicate that he has emerged as the strongest contender for the state’s top police post, with the Chief Secretary reportedly recommending his name for promotion.
However, S. Sreejith’s candidature is not without controversy. The Kerala High Court recently quashed the clean chit granted to the IPS officer in connection with allegations that he undertook a foreign trip without obtaining prior government permission. The court’s decision has once again brought the matter into focus, even as his name remains under consideration for the DGP’s post.
Suspension Changes the Succession Equation
Until recently, M.R. Ajith Kumar was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the DGP’s post.
However, disciplinary proceedings initiated against him led to his suspension, effectively altering the succession process.
The action followed allegations that Kumar attempted to interfere with the investigation into the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers by the security personnel of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme in Alappuzha in 2023.
With Kumar under suspension, service rules prevent his promotion while disciplinary proceedings are pending.
Why S. Sreejith Has Emerged as the Leading Candidate
With Ajith Kumar becoming ineligible, S. Sreejith has emerged as the next senior-most eligible IPS officer in the Kerala cadre.
Another senior officer, Suresh Raj Purohit (IPS:1995:KL), continues to serve on Central deputation and is not expected to return to Kerala before January 2027, effectively removing him from immediate consideration.
Home Department sources indicate that under established service rules, no fresh screening committee is required in such circumstances.
“If the senior-most eligible officer becomes ineligible because of suspension or disciplinary proceedings, the opportunity automatically passes to the next eligible officer in the seniority list,” an official familiar with the process said.
The final decision, however, rests with the Kerala Government.
CAT Declines Interim Relief to Ajith Kumar
In another significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) declined to grant interim relief to M.R. Ajith Kumar on his plea challenging the suspension order.
Kumar had argued that the suspension was illegal and contended that promoting his junior officers before deciding his case would adversely affect his career prospects.
However, the Tribunal refused to stay the suspension, allowing the promotion process to move forward.
Distinguished Career of S. Sreejith
Born on May 14, 1968, in Kozhikode, S. Sreejith is a 1996-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre.
A graduate in Mathematics, he entered the Indian Police Service after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and formally joined the service on September 5, 1996.
Over nearly three decades, he has held several important assignments across Kerala, including:
- Inspector General of Police (Thiruvananthapuram Range)
- IGP/ADGP, Crime Branch
- Chief Investigation Officer, Kerala State Human Rights Commission
- Transport Commissioner and Head of the Road Safety Commission
- ADGP, Headquarters
- ADGP, Armed Police Battalions
- ADGP, Cyber Operations
- Director General, Kerala Prisons & Correctional Services
Following the latest developments, he has also been elevated to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) while continuing to head the Prisons & Correctional Services Department.
Recognised for Anti-Trafficking Initiatives
IPS Sreejith enjoys a reputation as one of Kerala’s most proactive police officers, particularly in combating human trafficking and child abuse.
He is credited with establishing Anti-Human Trafficking Clubs across the state to strengthen awareness and preventive policing.
Beyond policing, he is a well-known motivational speaker who regularly addresses UPSC aspirants on leadership, discipline and public service.
His distinguished service was recognised with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2021.
Promotion Faces Judicial Scrutiny
While Sreejith has emerged as the leading candidate for Kerala’s top police post, his recent elevation to DGP rank has also attracted legal scrutiny.
A petition before the Kerala High Court has questioned the urgency of the promotion, citing pending allegations relating to an allegedly unauthorised foreign visit during his tenure as ADGP.
The matter remains under judicial consideration.
Final Decision Awaited
With Nitin Agrawal’s retirement creating a vacancy, M.R. Ajith Kumar under suspension, and Suresh Raj Purohit continuing on Central deputation, the path appears clear for S. Sreejith to take over as Kerala’s next Director General of Police.
The formal appointment is now awaited, with the State Government expected to take a final call shortly.
