Investigation Ordered into Onam Celebrations at Police Station
The Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) has ordered an inquiry into Onam celebrations and social media reel filming that allegedly took place outside the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram, involving accused persons in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attack case. Special Branch Assistant Commissioners have been directed to examine whether police officers made any lapse in connection with the incident, as reported by Malayala Manorama and The Times of India.
The inquiry follows the circulation of videos showing accused persons, including I.P. Binu, a former CPM councillor, wearing matching outfits and filming reels while sitting on a swing installed in front of the police station. The swing had been placed near floral decorations prepared by police as part of their Onam celebrations, according to The Times of India.
Police Clarify Accused's Presence
Police have clarified that Binu was not invited to the Onam celebrations. According to a statement reported by Malayala Manorama, he had arrived at the station only to sign documents as part of conditions related to the case. Following the controversy, the police removed the swing from the front of the station.
Police have also initiated steps to approach the court seeking cancellation of Binu's bail in connection with the case, both Malayala Manorama and The Times of India reported.
Internal Inquiry Findings
An internal inquiry has reportedly found that the Museum police violated the code of official conduct, compromised political neutrality, and subverted ethical obligations by permitting the accused to participate in the celebrations, as reported by The Hindu. The probe flagged violations of the Kerala Police Act and Kerala Police Manual, suggesting further action.
According to The Hindu, the celebrations occurred on Saturday (August 22, 2026). The accused wore white dhoti and dark blue shirt, the same attire worn by police officers for the occasion. They also rode the Onam swing and participated in a Chenda Melam ensemble.
The Hindu reported that preliminary intelligence probe revealed that officials of the 'left-leaning' Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA) had invited the suspects. This claim was not corroborated by other sources.
Political Reactions
The episode sparked controversy, with the BJP's social media handles spotlighting the 'political theatre' as evidence of 'Congress-CPI(M) collusion', according to The Hindu. The episode became a source of embarrassment for the Congress-led UDF government, raising questions about police impartiality.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar to investigate the episode, The Hindu reported.
Background: The ED Attack Case
The ED assault case relates to an alleged attack on ED officials in Thiruvananthapuram on May 27, 2026, following the agency's search at the rented residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as reported by Malayala Manorama. The search was part of the ED's money-laundering investigation into alleged financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Vijayan's daughter Veena Vijayan, according to the same report.
The ED officials were allegedly attacked after leaving the premises, with a crowd reportedly surrounding their vehicles and attacking them with stones, bricks, sticks, and rods, Malayala Manorama reported. More than 300 people were named in cases; several were arrested, including Binu. Legal proceedings are ongoing; some got bail from the High Court, others rejected by lower courts, the report said.
The Hindu reported that the Kerala High Court had granted bail under stringent conditions. Police were examining whether the suspects' actions warranted moving to cancel bail.