ED accused shoot reels, celebrate Onam in front of museum station; high level probe ordered

Thiruvananthapuram: The ADGP (Law and Order) has ordered an investigation into the Onam celebrations and social media reel filming involving an accused in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials’ assault case in front of the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram. Special Branch Assistant Commissioners have been directed to examine whether police officers made a lapse in connection with the incident.

The celebrations from the police station featured IP Binu, former CPM Palayam local secretary and a former councillor, who is an accused in the case relating to the alleged assault of ED officials. Videos from the event showed Binu and other accused wearing matching outfits and filming reels while enjoying a swing installed in front of the police station. The incident sparked controversy after the videos surfaced on social media.

The police have clarified that Binu was not invited to the Onam celebrations at the station. According to the police, he had arrived there only to sign documents as part of the conditions related to the case.

Following the controversy, the police removed the swing from the front of the station. Meanwhile, they have also initiated steps to approach the court seeking cancellation of Binu’s bail in connection with the case.

What is the ED assault case?
The case relates to an alleged attack on ED officials in Thiruvananthapuram on May 27, 2026, following the agency’s search at the rented residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The search was part of the ED’s money-laundering investigation into alleged financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Vijayan’s daughter Veena Vijayan.

The ED officials were allegedly attacked after leaving the premises following the search. A crowd reportedly surrounded the vehicles carrying the officials and attacked them with stones, bricks, sticks and rods. The vehicles were damaged, while some ED officials and police personnel sustained injuries. Police subsequently registered cases against more than 300 people in connection with the incident.

Several people were arrested or taken into custody in connection with the case, including Binu.

The legal proceedings in the assault case are continuing. Courts have considered bail pleas filed by several accused, with the Kerala High Court granting bail to some while lower courts have rejected bail pleas in other instances. Questions have also been raised over the conduct of the prosecution in some of the proceedings.