Mayor Arya Rajendran letter row: DGP orders Crime Branch probe

In the ongoing controversies of Thiruvananthapuram mayor Arya Rajendran’s letter, DGP ordered a Crime Branch probe. The letter allegedly signed by mayor Arya Rajendran seeking a list of CPM members for the appointment in vacant posts in the corporation.

As the letter triggered a controversy, the mayor denied writing the letter and filed a complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a probe. Following this, Kerala state police chief Anil Kant has ordered a Crime Branch investigation into the controversial letter and allegations against the mayor.

Crime Branch team under Thiruvananthapuram unit SP PS Madhusoodanan will probe the case. DySP Jaleel Thottathil will lead the team. The letter, addressing CPI(M) district secretary Anavoor Nagappan as “comrade”, containing the official letter pad of the mayor and her signature, kicked up a huge political controversy in Kerala with opposition Congress and BJP demanding her immediate resignation.

Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Arya Rajendran said she met the Chief Minister and handed over a complaint to him requesting a probe into the genesis of the letter and who all were behind it. She added that at first glance, the letter appeared to be “edited”.