Thiruvananthapuram: The suspension of IG P Vijayan, who was facing action in connection with the Elanthur train arson case, has been canceled. Vijayan was suspended for leaking the travel information of the accused in the arson case. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is in charge of the Home Department, issued an order withdrawing the suspension. However, the departmental investigation against Vijayan will continue. He was under suspension for the last six months in connection with the case. The suspension was ordered to be withdrawn after repeated requests by the Chief Secretary. IG P Vijayan was suspended from service on May 18 for allegedly leaking the travel details of the accused in the Elanthur train arson case to the media.
The action was based on the report of ADGP in charge of law and order. Vijayan denied the allegations against him. A committee headed by the chief secretary asked the government to re-examine the matter after two months and withdraw the suspension, but the government refused. The home department, which sought an explanation from the state police chief on the matter, again postponed the withdrawal of the suspension.
The DGP gave a report confirming the allegations. In the departmental inquiry, the IG and the investigating officer will have an opportunity to explain. The Chief Secretary again recommended that the suspension, which has been going on for three-and-a-half months, should not be extended, but the government did not take any action. The recommendation was finally accepted last day.
