Kochi: Kerala Police have registered a case against Union Minister Suresh Gopi in connection with the alleged misuse of an ambulance during the Thrissur pooram. 

Thrissur East Police registered the case based on a complaint filed by a CPI leader.  

The FIR alleges that actor Suresh Gopi misused an ambulance during the Thrissur Pooram event. The complaint states that the routes for all ambulances were predetermined, and even ministers were strictly prohibited from accessing the event venue. Gopi reportedly violated these regulations and drove the vehicle recklessly, posing a threat to public safety, according to the FIR.

Initially, Gopi claimed he did not board the ambulance but later admitted to travelling in it. He explained that he used the ambulance due to leg discomfort.

The Thrissur Pooram row has sparked political debate within the state as the opposition claimed that police intervened in the rituals which led to a disruption.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has, however, denied that any disruption took place during the event. However, a controversy erupted after a video surfaced of Suresh Gopi allegedly using an ambulance to reach the festival venue after the event was disrupted. Denying the allegations made against him, Gopi demanded a CBI probe stating that "Kerala police under Pinarayi (Kerala Chief Minister) will not suffice."