Thiruvananthapuram, 28 May (H.S.):

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala is facing mounting criticism after the Kerala Police failed to prevent violent attacks on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during protests allegedly organised by CPI(M) workers in Thiruvananthapuram following raids linked to the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) money laundering case.

The incident has triggered serious questions over the effectiveness of the state’s law and order machinery, with opposition leaders and political observers accusing the Home Department of failing to anticipate and contain the violence despite the highly sensitive nature of the ED operation involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The violence erupted after ED officials completed searches at Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in the state capital and attempted to leave the area under police protection. A large crowd of CPI(M) workers gathered outside the residence and allegedly broke through police barricades before launching attacks on the ED convoy.

Protesters hurled stones and other objects at the vehicles, damaging several of them and creating panic in the area. Visuals from the scene showed shattered vehicle windows and chaotic scenes as police personnel struggled to control the aggressive crowd. During the confrontation, a police officer sustained injuries while attempting crowd-control measures.

The Kerala Police drew sharp criticism for failing to disperse the protesters before the situation escalated. Critics alleged that the police response was delayed and inadequate despite prior indications that party workers could stage demonstrations outside the residence during the ED raids.

As tensions spiralled, police eventually resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the mob and restore order in the area. The incident has intensified political attacks on Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, with opponents accusing him of failing to maintain law and order and allowing politically motivated groups to openly challenge central investigative agencies.

Following the violence, Kerala Police registered an attempted murder case against nearly 300 individuals allegedly involved in the attack on ED officials and police personnel. Police later intensified the probe and conducted raids at several locations linked to CPI(M) activists.

Search operations were carried out at the residences of former local councillors and party figures, including IP Binu and Attukal Unni. Several individuals have been taken into custody, while a number of arrests were formally recorded late Wednesday night.

Despite the criticism, Chennithala maintained that stringent legal action would be taken against all those responsible for the violence and asserted that the government would not tolerate attacks on officials carrying out lawful duties.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman