Kerala Police Internal Probe Finds Lapses Over Onam Event with ED Accused
The internal inquiry into the presence of Enforcement Directorate (ED) attack case accused at a police station's Onam celebrations has reportedly found violations of the code of conduct and ethical obligations, officials said. The accused, all activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], had attended the in-house event organised by the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram on August 22, 2026.
The preliminary probe reportedly concluded that the police personnel had compromised law enforcement's political neutrality and subverted ethical duties to the criminal justice system by "permitting" the accused to participate in the festivities. Social media reels showing I.P. Binu, a former CPI(M) Corporation councillor and the prime accused, along with other suspects, enjoying the celebrations in front of the station house had gone viral.
The accused were seen wearing white dhotis and dark blue shirts, similar to the festival attire worn by the police officers. They also rode the traditional Onam swing and participated in the Chenda Melam ensemble, drawing widespread attention online.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) used the visuals to allege "political theatre" and claimed it was evidence of "Congress-CPI(M) collusion." The incident became an embarrassment for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, raising questions about police impartiality and oversight by supervisory officers.
Following the uproar, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar to investigate the episode. The preliminary intelligence probe reportedly pointed to officials of the "left-leaning" Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA) as the ones who invited the suspects to the station house festivities.
The probe has reportedly flagged violations of the Kerala Police Act and the Kerala Police Manual. Officials suggested that further action could be taken under the Kerala Police Departmental Enquiries (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, including a referral for a Vigilance inquiry.
Mr. Binu and the other accused had arrived at the station to comply with a bail-related court order requiring weekly presence to confirm they had not absconded. They were arrested in June in connection with the vandalisation of vehicles carrying ED officials after a raid on Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan's residence on May 27. The Kerala High Court had granted bail under strict conditions.
An official said the police were examining whether the suspects' participation warranted moving the court to cancel their bail. The full findings of the internal probe are yet to be made public, and the department is expected to decide on further action based on the inquiry report.
