ADGP sabotaged investigation into 'rescue operation'; Accused Gunman still with Pinarayi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The statement from officials revealed that it was the ADGP who interfered and sabotaged the police investigation into the incident in which the gunmen of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan roughed up Youth Congress leaders in Alappuzha.

It was also revealed that the Home Department hid the report of SP Chaitra Theresa John, who recommended action against the gunmen. Chaitra Teresa was also transferred to Kollam.

The Alappuzha South Police had recorded the details of the preliminary investigation in the case diary. However, it was changed in favour of the gunmen.

The Crime Branch DySP, SI and police officers who conducted the first investigation gave statements to the SIT led by Crime Branch SP Shoukathali. In the statement, it also states that the CD file was forcibly edited after the official was summoned to the capital by a high-ranking officer in charge of law and order. It was found that the report submitted to the court made no mention of the video that went viral. The investigation was closed, citing a lack of evidence. The SIT will submit this information to the DGP in a special report. Action will be taken against the gunmen.

In December 2023, gunmen Anil Kumar and Sandeep brutally assaulted current MLA AD Thomas and Youth Congress state secretary Ajay Juel Kuriakose, after the duo waved a black flag at the then CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Alappuzha.

Pinarayi Vijayan had justified the attack by saying that the gunmen were only trying to ensure security and that it was a 'rescue operation'. The Youth Congress leaders who were assaulted approached the court and filed a case.

The statements of Alappuzha MLA AD Thomas and Youth Congress leader Ajay Juel Kuriakose, who were assaulted, will be recorded today.

Jai Hind TV cameraman Jojimon, the main witness who recorded the footage, was summoned to the Alappuzha Crime Branch office on Friday, and his detailed statement was recorded.

The statement was recorded by showing the visuals. The accused have been identified. Joji's phone, which recorded the footage, is in custody.

It was revealed that he was threatened to change his statement when the footage was submitted to the court. The investigation team requested that the results of the examination of the video footage sent to the State Forensic Lab in Thiruvananthapuram be made available quickly. The examination is to ensure its authenticity.

Gunman Sandeep was recalled to the police after the withdrawal of the Z-category security of the opposition leader. Another accused, security officer Anil Kumar, continues to accompany Pinarayi.