Thiruvananthapuram: Despite prior intelligence warnings about possible protests and violence during the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence, state Police allegedly failed to make adequate security arrangements.

Even after ED officials and police personnel came under attack, officers reportedly remained passive for hours without taking decisive action, triggering criticism over the handling of the situation.

The incident has become an embarrassment for the newly formed government, with the Union Home Ministry reportedly seeking a report on the security lapse. Allegations have also surfaced that police deliberately refrained from intervening, while several senior officers present at the spot were seen maintaining cordial interactions with CPM leaders even as tensions escalated.

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Even after the violence intensified, additional police reinforcements were not deployed immediately, and no senior officer took control of the situation for hours. City DCP Taposh Basumatary was reportedly the only senior officer present at the scene during the initial phase of the unrest.

Officers unfamiliar with city blamed for lapses

Lack of familiarity with the city and local political landscape among several police officers deployed at the scene was also cited as a reason for the failure to effectively handle the violence.

Many officers assigned for security duty had recently been transferred from other districts following election-related reshuffles. As a result, they were allegedly unfamiliar with local CPM strongholds and area leaders.

Criticism has also emerged within the police force against a recently transferred SHO, said to be familiar with local political leaders, for allegedly failing to alert higher authorities in time about the seriousness of the situation.

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Transfers of police officers across districts are common during elections, with officers usually reposted to familiar stations after the model code of conduct is withdrawn. However, that process had reportedly not been completed this time.

Intelligence warnings allegedly ignored

Police intelligence officials had reportedly warned on Wednesday morning that clashes could erupt in Thiruvananthapuram after tensions surfaced outside Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in Kannur. The report had recommended heightened security measures, but only around 50 police personnel were deployed near the former Chief Minister’s residence in the capital.

The first major clash broke out around 12.30 pm, after which ED officials sought additional protection. However, police allegedly ignored the request.

As party workers attacked vehicles, police personnel reportedly failed even to carry out a lathi charge. Several officers were assaulted while attempting to restrain protesters, while senior officials largely remained spectators.

Top officers step in after situation worsens

It was only after ED officials initiated legal proceedings and the possibility of central intervention emerged that senior police officers actively stepped in, according to reports.

By then, several accused persons had reportedly taken shelter inside the CPM Palayam Area Committee office. A large group of party leaders, led by Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and former MLA V Sivankutty, allegedly blocked police from entering the premises.

With pressure mounting over the failure to arrest the accused, ADGP H. Venkatesh and Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG J. Himendranath arrived at the scene and held discussions with party leaders. However, the leaders initially refused to cooperate.

Sources said the situation eventually required the intervention of State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar after senior officers were left waiting outside the party office.

Later, a few accused persons were allegedly taken out through the rear entrance and formally arrested, in what critics described as an attempt by both the police and CPM leadership to save face after the controversy escalated.