The Kerala High Court on Thursday sought details from the state government regarding the action taken in cases registered over the alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and their vehicles by Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers on May 27. The incident occurred following a raid at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the CMRL case.
Court Proceedings
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar was considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jojo Jose, a practicing lawyer from Sreekandapuram in Kannur. The petitioner sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged attack. The court adjourned the petition to July 3 and directed the government pleader to file a statement detailing the action taken by police in the registered cases. Additional Solicitor General P Sreekumar, representing the central government, also sought time to obtain instructions in the matter.
Petitioner's Allegations
According to the petitioner, ED officials and their vehicles were attacked on the premises of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Thiruvananthapuram by a mob of around 300 identifiable persons, most of whom were allegedly CPM cadres. Jose further alleged that the Kerala Police failed to provide adequate protection to the ED officials and that their subsequent conduct reflected “a shocking level of collusion and political subservience.” The petition also alleged that instead of arresting the accused, senior police officers negotiated with prominent CPM leaders who had formed a human shield around those who had taken refuge inside a party office.
Directions Sought
The PIL sought a direction to the police to preserve regional television footage, CCTV recordings from the CPM’s Palayam area committee office, and mobile tower logs from the area. It also requested that the material be placed in the custody of the court or a designated central investigating agency. The court’s decision to seek details from the state government is seen as a significant step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation of the incident.
