Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Backlash After ED Attack Accused Join Onam Celebration
People accused in a case involving an alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate officials went to a police station to sign papers.
They were supposed to leave after completing this bail requirement.
Instead, they reportedly joined the station’s Onam celebration.
Videos showed some of them playing traditional music, sitting on a swing and making a social-media reel.
This upset many people because the station was also connected to their criminal case.
Police officials said the accused were not invited and promised to investigate what happened.
The police are also considering asking a court to cancel I.P. Binu’s bail.
The BJP said the officers involved should face strong punishment.
Around 20 accused in the ED attack case allegedly joined Onam festivities after signing a bail register at Thiruvananthapuram’s Museum Police Station.
Videos showed I.P. Binu and others using an oonjal, playing chenda and posing for a social-media reel beside the station’s pookkalam.
The ADGP for Law and Order ordered an inquiry into possible police involvement or collusion.
Police said Binu was not invited and had visited only to comply with weekly bail conditions; the department is seeking cancellation of his bail.
BJP leader Anoop Antony accused the CPI-M and police officials of influencing the Home Department and demanded action against those responsible.
- Who
- I.P. Binu and other accused in the Enforcement Directorate attack case, Museum Police Station personnel, the Kerala Police and BJP leader Anoop Antony.
- What
- The accused allegedly joined an Onam celebration and filmed a social-media reel at or beside the Museum Police Station after signing their bail register.
- When
- The incident was reported during an Onam celebration; the related ED attack occurred on May 27, 2026.
- Where
- Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Why
- The accused were at the station to meet mandatory weekly bail conditions, while police involvement in their participation in the celebration is now under investigation.
Police and Departmental Account
BJP Criticism
Whether the accused were formally welcomed
Police and Departmental Account
Police said I.P. Binu was not invited and came only to sign the register as required by his bail conditions.
BJP Criticism
Anoop Antony alleged that police officials opened the station to criminal accused and welcomed them into the celebration.
Extent of police involvement
Police and Departmental Account
The department ordered an inquiry to determine whether individual personnel were responsible or colluded with the accused.
BJP Criticism
Antony claimed the celebration occurred with the knowledge of the Police Officers’ Union and other officials, and alleged that an officer bought festive clothing and gifts for the accused.
Political responsibility
Police and Departmental Account
Police authorities responded with an inquiry and steps to seek cancellation of Binu’s bail for alleged violations of conditions and decorum.
BJP Criticism
Antony argued that the incident demonstrated continuing CPI-M influence over the Home Department and demanded dismissal of the responsible officers.
- Inquiry
- The ADGP for Law and Order ordered a high-level inquiry.
- Investigating unit
- The Special Branch Assistant Commissioner was directed to assess individual police culpability and possible collusion.
- Reported participants
- Around 20 accused allegedly joined the station’s Onam festivities.
- Activities shown
- The visuals reportedly showed an oonjal, chenda playing, photographs and a social-media reel.
- Police response
- Police said I.P. Binu was not invited and had arrived to sign documents under his bail conditions.
- Bail action
- The Police Department initiated legal steps to seek cancellation of Binu’s bail.
- Related case
- The ED attack case concerns an alleged assault on Enforcement Directorate officials by CPI-M and DYFI activists.