An Onam celebration at the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram has triggered controversy after CPM leader I.P. Binu, an accused in the alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, was seen celebrating on the station premises along with other co-accused.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, came to public attention after a video of the celebration posted on Binu’s social media account went viral. Visuals showed Binu using the swing installed outside the police station and participating in the festivities, including beating a traditional drum. This has triggered criticism, with questions being raised over the alleged special treatment extended to an accused in a case involving an attack on central agency officials.
Binu is an accused in connection with the alleged violent attack on ED officials on May 27, when they were leaving the residence of Kerala Chief Minister and CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan following a raid. The raid was linked to the CMRL-Exalogic case, in which Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, has been under investigation.
Accused joins police Onam celebrations
The police personnel had reportedly arranged matching Onam attire for the celebrations, with officers wearing shirts of the same colour and mundu with matching borders. Binu was also seen wearing similar attire.
Reports suggest that the Onakkodi—the traditional new dress worn during Onam—was purchased for Binu along with the clothes bought for the police personnel. A constable reportedly handed the outfit to him.
The participation of an accused in a case involving an alleged attack on ED officials, inside a police station, has raised questions about the level of access and privilege allegedly extended to him.
Special Branch report raises questions
According to reports, the Police Special Branch has found that Binu and others participated in the celebrations with the knowledge of Museum Police Station SHO R. Prasanth, who is reportedly associated with a Left organisation.
Binu had allegedly received special privileges while in police custody in connection with the ED attack case, according to reports.
The timing of the Onam celebrations has also drawn attention. Prasanth, who was part of the Special Investigation Team appointed by the state government to investigate the ED attack case, was recently transferred to Thrissur. The celebrations reportedly took place shortly before he was relieved from the Museum Police Station.
Questions over police conduct
The Museum Police Station is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. The sight of an accused in a high-profile case participating in festivities inside the station, while police personnel looked on, has prompted calls for an impartial inquiry.
The circumstances surrounding Binu’s participation, the alleged purchase of the Onakkodi for him and the reported role of police personnel in facilitating his participation need to be examined.
Questions have also been raised over whether the accused received preferential treatment while in custody and whether proper procedures were followed by the police.
The controversy comes months after the Congress-led UDF government assumed office in Kerala. Critics have alleged that sections of the police establishment continue to maintain political loyalties despite the change in government.
Congress leader and minister K. Muraleedharan has also publicly raised concerns about the functioning of the Home Department, including questions over who exercises real authority within it.
