3 weeks ago
Kerala Home Department cancels letter linked to jailed councillor's leave
A man named R Sugathan is a city councillor in Thiruvananthapuram, but right now he is in jail.
The city council gave him six months of leave so he could keep his councillor job.
A government department called the Home Department had sent a letter that seemed to allow this.
Now the Home Department says that letter is cancelled.
The letter was based on a note from another department, but that note was pulled back.
An official is in trouble because she may have changed official paperwork without permission.
The government had earlier said no to the councillor's request, and that decision is back in force.
Some politicians are upset and think there might have been a secret deal between rival political groups.
The government says it is now looking into what happened.
No one knows yet whether the councillor will get to keep his seat.
The Kerala Home Department cancelled a July 20 reply that had facilitated six months' leave for jailed BJP councillor R Sugathan, confirming the earlier rejection of his escort parole plea remains in force.
Sugathan, from the Vazhottukonam ward of the BJP-ruled Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, is detained at the Central Prison and Correctional Home in Viyyur, Thrissur, under KAAPA.
The cancelled reply was based on a note from the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), which later withdrew the note.
LSGD Under Secretary Dr Chithra P Arunima was suspended pending an inquiry into alleged unauthorized alterations to the official file to grant benefits not legally admissible to a preventive detainee.
The leave decision triggered a political row, with Opposition CPI(M) alleging a secret understanding between the UDF and the BJP; Minister K M Shaji said the government was examining the circumstances.
- Who
- R Sugathan, a jailed BJP councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation; the Kerala Home Department; and suspended LSGD Under Secretary Dr Chithra P Arunima
- What
- The Kerala Home Department cancelled a communication that had been used to grant six months' leave to jailed councillor R Sugathan, restoring the earlier rejection of his escort parole application
- Where
- Kerala, India — involving the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the Central Prison and Correctional Home at Viyyur, Thrissur
- When
- The cancellation was ordered in a letter dated August 6, 2026; the controversy was reported on August 7
- Why
- The LSGD withdrew the note on which the July 20 reply was based, and officials found alleged irregularities, including unauthorized file alterations, in processing Sugathan's benefits
Opposition CPI(M) and state government critics
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation administration
Six-month leave for jailed councillor
Opposition CPI(M) and state government critics
CPI(M) alleged a secret understanding between the UDF and the BJP behind the leave, and Minister K M Shaji said extending such a benefit to a person under preventive detention was a serious matter that the department had recommended against.
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation administration
The mayor defended the decision, saying it was based on a Home Department communication indicating Sugathan could continue as councillor if the council sanctioned his leave.
Lawfulness of benefits under KAAPA
Opposition CPI(M) and state government critics
The government said file notings stated there was no legal provision to grant escort parole to a KAAPA detainee, and the suspended officer allegedly altered the file to grant benefits not legally admissible.
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation administration
The Corporation Council approved the leave application, enabling Sugathan to retain his councillorship, apparently accepting the Home Department communication as valid.
Key facts
- Councillor
- R Sugathan, Vazhottukonam ward, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
- Detention
- Central Prison and Correctional Home, Viyyur, Thrissur, under KAAPA
- Cancelled letter
- Home Department reply dated July 20, 2026
- Rejection still in force
- Home Department reply dated July 13, 2026, rejecting escort parole
- Cancellation order date
- August 6, 2026
- Suspended official
- Dr Chithra P Arunima, Under Secretary, LSGD (KAS officer), pending inquiry
- Political allegation
- CPI(M) alleged a secret understanding between the UDF and the BJP
- Leave granted
- Six months' leave approved by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council
Sources
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