Thiruvananthapuram: Security officer Sandeep, who is an accused in the assault case related to the Navakerala Sadas in Alappuzha, has been removed from security duties and sent back to the police force. Sandeep was reassigned to station duty as part of the modifications made to the security detail of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Sandeep was a member of the inner security ring when Pinarayi Vijayan was the Chief Minister. He is the second accused in the Alappuzha assault case. The personnel in the security force were sent back to the regular police force following changes to the Z-plus category security cover that the former Chief Minister previously held. Currently, Y-category security is being provided based on the status of Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister. Consequently, gunmen will no longer accompany him. Although the escort vehicle has been withdrawn, the pilot vehicle will continue. Police personnel will also be deployed at his residence for security.

The first accused in the assault case is Anil Kumar, the former Chief Minister’s gunman. Reports suggest that Anil Kumar will continue as Pinarayi's gunman.

The incident occurred on December 15, 2023 in Alappuzha, when the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's gunman Anil Kumar and security officer Sandeep assaulted KSU leader and current MLA A D Thomas, along with Ajay. The government had previously justified the action by terming it a "rescue act".

Despite complaints from the victims, the police did not register a case initially. The case was registered only after the victims approached the court. Although the Crime Branch took over the investigation, no progress was made.

Following the UDF government coming to power, a special investigation team supervised by the then Alappuzha Crime Branch SP, A P Shoukathali, was appointed to investigate the case.