CEC seeks explanation from Kerala CEO over controversial police raid on Palakkad hotel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Election Commission (CEC) has sought an explanation from Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer, Pranab Jyotinath, regarding a midnight police raid at a hotel in Palakkad where prominent Congress women leaders were staying. The move comes in response to a complaint filed by opposition leader V D Satheesan, who alleged misconduct and political bias in the police operation.

According to sources, the Chief Electoral Officer will respond to the CEC after receiving a report from the District Election Officer and Collector, who will also consult the state police chief. The Palakkad district police chief, R. Anand and Assistant Superintendent Ashwathy G G, who led the operation, may face reassignment pending further investigation.

The hotel raid, which was reportedly aimed at seizing black money, took place without prior knowledge or approval from key election officials, including the district election officer, the Collector, or election observers. The operation’s timing and urgency have raised concerns, with critics questioning the necessity of such a late-night raid and the failure to follow proper protocol.

Notably, the raid did not involve a senior revenue officer, nor was it recorded on video, as required by regulations. The Election Commission’s monitoring cell, tasked with overseeing law-and-order issues related to black money, was also unaware of the operation. Sources suggest that even senior police officials were not informed of the raid’s details. Initially, police dismissed the incident as a routine check but later attributed it to confidential intelligence, prompting further scrutiny.

Despite searching 12 rooms at the hotel, police reportedly found no black money. Controversy deepened after allegations emerged that BJP and CPM supporters may have visited the hotel during the raid, adding fuel to concerns of political interference.

V.D. Satheesan submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission, alleging a politically motivated operation orchestrated by CPM to intimidate Congress leaders and undermine the electoral process. Former Congress MLA Shanimol Usman and ex-Mahila Congress state president Bindu Krishna, who were present during the raid, described it as an "unwarranted intrusion" violating procedural codes.