'Police officers opposing Operation Toofan will not remain in service': Ramesh Chennithala warns

HARIPAD: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has warned that any police officer who takes a stand against Operation Toofan will not be allowed to continue in service. Describing it as one of the Kerala government's most important initiatives, he said 99 per cent of police personnel were working sincerely as part of the campaign. He also claimed that the initiative had received massive public support.

Chennithala was speaking to the media after inaugurating Toofan 2.0 Thaddesham in Haripad, jointly organised by the State Home Department, Local Self-Government Department and Haripad Municipality. He said the initiative was launched to prevent children from falling victim to drug abuse and ruining their lives.

"The recent incident in Kochi has proved that no one in the police force will be spared if they engage in malpractice. Those found guilty of tampering with or stealing evidence will not be allowed to continue in service. Strict action will be taken against them," he said.

"Operation Toofan aims to protect Kerala and the younger generation from drugs. Action will be taken against any police officer who attempts to undermine the campaign. The operation will continue with full force until the drug menace is completely eliminated. The Local Self-Government Department is also extending support to ensure the campaign's success," Chennithala said.

Commenting on the Cheranalloor incident, he said action had been taken against those responsible based on a report sought from the ADGP. He clarified that a transfer was not a punishment but a normal administrative process. There was no provision that classified a transfer as a disciplinary action, he said.

Chennithala also said people expected greater maturity from CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan. He was responding to Govindan's remarks about the clash during the Calicut University College Students' Union (CSU) election in Malappuram.

"Clashes during college union elections are not new and can happen anywhere. Legal action will be taken regardless of who attacks or gets attacked. Is it appropriate for a party secretary like Govindan to make such remarks over a clash between students during a college union election? Let the public decide whether such remarks are justified," he added.