Pinarayi Vijayan released after hours in police custody

NEW DELHI: Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been released from police custody in Delhi nearly eight hours after being detained amid protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Left organisations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was released from Mandir Marg Police Station after being taken into custody at 10.30 am.

Delhi Police detained Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition Leader John Brittas MP and former minister K. N. Balagopal when they came out of Kerala House in Delhi on Saturday morning. After taking them around the city for nearly three-and-a-half hours, the police shifted them to Mandir Marg Police Station.

John Brittas alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan, 81, was not provided with food or medicines while in custody. Following the allegation, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan intervened and directed the Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry into the incident and take necessary action.