An internal inquiry has revealed serious violations of conduct by the Museum police in Kerala after they hosted accused individuals from an ED attack case during official Onam festivities. The incident has sparked political outrage and calls for high-level investigations.

  • Museum police permitted ED attack suspects to participate in official Onam celebrations.
  • Internal probe confirms violation of official conduct and political neutrality.
  • Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered a high-level investigation.
  • Accused were seen wearing festive attire alongside police officers.

In a major blow to the credibility of law enforcement, an internal inquiry has found that the Museum police in Thiruvananthapuram violated the code of official conduct by allowing accused individuals in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attack case to participate in official Onam celebrations. The suspects, identified as CPI(M) activists, were seen celebrating within the police station precincts on August 22, 2026.

The Viral Incident

The controversy erupted after social media footage went viral, showing the prime accused, former Corporation councillor I.P. Binu, and other suspects enjoying the festivities. The accused were seen wearing traditional white dhotis and dark blue shirts—the same festive attire worn by the police officers. They were captured riding traditional Onam swings and participating in the Chenda Melam musical ensemble with great enthusiasm.

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This incident has caused immense embarrassment for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, providing political ammunition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which labeled the event as evidence of 'Congress-CPI(M) collusion.'

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a lapse in judgment but a systemic failure of departmental ethics. When law enforcement officers share celebratory spaces with individuals accused of attacking federal agency officials, it compromises the perceived and actual impartiality of the state's police force.

The blurring of lines between law enforcers and criminal suspects during official functions undermines the very foundation of the criminal justice system.

Preliminary intelligence suggests that officials from the 'left-leaning' Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA) may have been responsible for inviting the suspects. The probe indicates violations of the Kerala Police Act and the Kerala Police Manual, potentially leading to a referral for a Vigilance inquiry.

Background: The ED Raid Conflict

The accused were originally arrested in June following the vandalization of vehicles carrying ED officials. This attack occurred on May 27, after a raid was conducted at the residence of the Leader of the Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan. While the accused were out on bail under strict conditions requiring weekly check-ins, their presence at a police celebration has prompted authorities to consider canceling their bail.

Did You Know?: The Chenda Melam is a traditional percussion ensemble from Kerala, often used in temple festivals and major cultural celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why were the suspects at the police station?
The suspects were required to report to the station weekly as a condition of their court-ordered bail.

2. What are the potential consequences for the officers involved?
Officers face disciplinary action under the Kerala Police Departmental Enquiries Rules and potential vigilance investigations.