Govt likely to seek explanation from officials over letter which aided KAAPA-accused BJP councillor to secure leave

The State government is likely to seek explanation from officials of the Local Self Government department as well as the Home department over a letter which was used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation administration to secure six months of leave for BJP councillor R. Sugathan, who was arrested under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and is currently lodged at the high-security correctional facility at Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur.

The letter, dated July 20, 2026 and signed by an Under Secretary on behalf of the Additional Chief Secretary, was sent to Mr. Sugathan in response to his request for an escort parole to take part in the council meeting on Friday (July 31). Though the government rejected the request, the letter further goes on to detail ways in which he can avoid disqualification. It suggests submitting a leave letter to the council through the Jail Superintendent. Further, it says that if the council approves this request through voting, his councillor post will be “safe.”

Unfortunate incident

Minister for LSGs K.M.Shaji told mediapersons on Sunday that it was unfortunate that a letter which went through his department had aided a “criminal” to secure leave. An official in the LSGD had reportedly added the additional lines which suggested that Mr. Sugathan can get a leave through voting in the council. “The Minister and the Secretary had rejected the request for leave. However, it is not right for any official to add to the report we had signed on. In case such additions are made, it has to come back to us. However, in this case, the report went to the Home department after the official made the addition. Such conduct cannot be allowed. On Monday, we will take decisive action on this,” said Mr. Shaji.

Earlier, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had also expressed dissatisfaction at the letter, dated July 20, 2026, which was signed by an Under Secretary on behalf of the Additional Chief Secretary, Home department. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) had pointed to the letter as yet another instance of a Congress-BJP understanding.