By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Kerala Police have arrested eight people so far in connection with the violent attack on vehicles carrying Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during raids linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Chandrasekhar said the investigation was progressing and that more people involved in the violence had been identified.
The police chief said the Home Minister had directed authorities to take strong action against those responsible for the attack.
According to Chandrasekhar, adequate police personnel had been deployed near Vijayan’s residence after information about the ED raids emerged, though he claimed the police had not received prior intimation about the operation.
“They did not inform us, but once the operation began, we took action and deployed security,” he said.
Around 300 people have been booked in connection with the alleged attack on ED officials and security personnel.
Police registered the case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on public servants, wrongful restraint and attempt to murder. Sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act have also been invoked.
Among the most serious charges is attempt to murder under Section 109 of the BNS, which carries punishment ranging up to life imprisonment in cases involving severe injuries.
According to the FIR registered at Museum Police Station, some members of the crowd allegedly attacked officers accompanying the ED team with sticks, injuring one officer on the hand.
The FIR also alleged that stones and bricks were hurled at official vehicles, seriously injuring one driver.
Security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kerala Police personnel who attempted to control the situation were also allegedly attacked during the violence.
Police said several officials sustained injuries and official vehicles suffered damage estimated at around Rs 3 lakh.
Officials said more accused persons had been identified and further investigation was underway.
The ED raids were linked to alleged financial transactions between a company owned by Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena, and a sand mining firm in the CMRL pay-off case.
A total of 10 premises across Kerala, including Vijayan’s rented residence at Bakery Junction and his permanent residence in Kannur, were searched by the ED on Wednesday as part of the investigation.