Five Police Officers Including Former CM’s Gunman Suspended Over Alappuzha Incident

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has identified five police personnel, including the gunman of a former Chief Minister, as accused in the alleged assault on Youth Congress (YC) and Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) workers during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023. The report, submitted to the Alappuzha First Class Judicial Magistrate Court, marks a significant development in the case, which has drawn attention due to the involvement of high-profile individuals and systemic lapses in the initial investigation.

The incident occurred at Hospital Junction in Alappuzha, where the SIT found that the former Chief Minister’s security personnel rushed in, surrounded, and assaulted protesting workers in the presence of local police on duty. The team’s findings highlight a “serious lapse in the initial investigation,” with the report recommending departmental action against the accused. The case, which initially implicated two gunmen, now includes five police personnel: Anilkumar (the former CM’s gunman), S Sandeep (security officer), Arun, Vipin, and Shaiju, who escorted the CM’s vehicle.

The SIT’s report, based on recorded statements and video footage, states that the assault violated established procedures by bypassing local police. “Assaulting the workers by bypassing the police personnel was disrespectful to the police on security duty and was against the established procedures,” the report notes. The team has recommended suspensions for the accused, though formal charges have yet to be framed. Anilkumar and Sandeep, the first and second accused, have filed anticipatory bail applications, which will be heard in the Alappuzha Sessions Court.

The Nava Kerala Yatra, a political initiative by the ruling party, became a flashpoint for tensions between activists and law enforcement. The assault on YC and KSU workers, who were protesting against alleged administrative inefficiencies, sparked widespread condemnation. The SIT’s expanded probe into the incident underscores the complexity of balancing security operations with the protection of civil liberties during public events.

Local media reports indicate that the case has intensified scrutiny of police conduct during political gatherings. The SIT’s findings also raise questions about the coordination between state security agencies and local law enforcement. “The report contains a recommendation that unlawful conduct occurred on the part of the security personnel,” the team stated, emphasizing the need for accountability. The accused police personnel are expected to face disciplinary action, though the timeline for formal proceedings remains unclear.

The incident has reignited debates about the use of force by security personnel during protests. Activists have called for transparency in the investigation, while political leaders have urged a swift resolution to address public concerns. The SIT’s report serves as a critical step in holding individuals accountable, but the broader implications for police reform and procedural oversight remain to be seen.