Kerala government transfers 161 police officers, including DySP who arrested Rahul Mamkootathil

The Kerala state government ordered the transfer of 161 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) across the state. DySP N Muralidharan, who led the midnight arrest of former Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a rape case, was moved from Kunnamkulam (Thrissur) to the Economic Offences Wing covering Kannur and Kasaragod. DySP AJ Thomas, known for a public clash with MLA Mohammed Shiyas, was shifted from the Special Branch in Kottayam to the Crime Branch in Palakkad. DySP Sibi Thomas, also a Malayalam film actor, was transferred from Kasaragod to the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur.

The government said the reshuffle was part of reposting officers who had been moved to other districts during the recent election period. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala responded to criticism that the transfers were politically motivated, stating he could not "examine the horoscope of every officer." Critics noted that many officers returned to their home districts, while those involved in politically sensitive cases received unexpected postings.

The moves have sparked debate over potential political interference in police assignments and the administration’s handling of election‑related postings.