Kerala Police reconstitute team probing attack on ED officials

The investigation team probing the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials has been reconstituted, with the 30-member team reduced to 14 officers.

Besides, four officers have been transferred as part of the general transfer process, while four new officers have been added to the team.

The original 30-member team had been constituted as a broad-based investigative unit, including Station House Officers (SHO) from various police stations under the Thiruvananthapuram City Police.

Soon after the incident on May 27, the police had instituted an extensive probe monitored by the Assistant Commissioner, Cantonment, with the Museum SHO being the investigation officer. Besides, the SHOs of various police stations, including from Cantonment, Thampanoor, Peroorkada, Poojappura and Vattiyurkavu, were also included in the team.

According to Home Department sources, the investigation has entered its final stages and a large team is no longer considered necessary. Most of the accused in the case have already secured bail, while the focus of the investigation has shifted to the alleged conspiracy behind the attack. As many as 26 accused have been arrested thus far.

The investigation team is focussed on examining the alleged involvement of senior CPI(M) leaders in the conspiracy. Phone records and other digital evidence are being collected as part of the probe. Communications made both before and during the incident are also being examined.

The questioning of CPI(M) leaders is expected to proceed in stages, beginning with district-level leaders. The police have not ruled out the possibility of senior leaders, including party State secretary M.V. Govindan, district secretary V. Joy and former Minister V. Sivankutty, being issued notices to appear for questioning as part of the investigation.