Eight Arrested in Violent Attack on ED Raids Near Pinarayi Vijayan's House
Eight people have been arrested for attacking ED officials during a raid on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's house. The violence resulted in significant damage to official vehicles and several injuries among officers.
Highlights
- •Eight individuals arrested after allegedly attacking ED officials
- •Violence occurred following raids on Pinarayi Vijayan's residence and other premises
- •More suspects identified by police in ongoing investigation
- •Accusations of unlawful assembly, assault, and attempt to murder
Four days after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid on the rented house of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, eight individuals have been apprehended in connection with an ensuing violent attack on ED officials and security personnel.
In a statement to reporters following discussions with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala at his residence, state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar reported that the investigation is progressing positively. He noted, “A total of 8 individuals have been arrested so far, and more suspects are yet to be identified.”
Violence Escalates during ED Raids
The police received information about the upcoming ED raid on Vijayan's residence but were not given prior notice. Deputy Commissioner of Police S Nandakumar stated, “We have no prior knowledge of any raids. <strong>Operation began</strong>, and we acted quickly by deploying security.”
<p>On Wednesday, around 300 individuals were booked under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNH) for attacking ED officials. These sections include unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on public servants, wrongful restraint, and <strong>attempt to murder</strong><!– which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years or even life imprisonment if severe injuries are caused. –>. The ED raids in question were connected to financial dealings between Vijayan's daughter's firm and a sand mining company. </p>
Police records indicate that the crowd employed sticks, stones, and bricks against security forces, causing significant damage to official vehicles and harming several officers. The incident resulted in estimated losses of around ₹3 lakh.
“We Took Immediate Action”
According to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, the violence against raiding teams was <strong>unacceptable</strong>. The minister emphasized, “Strong action will be taken against those responsible.”<p>
<p>The first information report (FIR) registered by the Museum Police Station alleges that one officer sustained injuries on his hand during an altercation with the crowd. Additionally, the driver of a car was seriously injured after being hit by stones and bricks thrown by the mob. While security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force made concerted efforts to maintain order, they too faced assault.</p>
Chandrasekhar pointed out that adequate police deployment was promptly initiated as soon as the ED raids commenced.
