Case of attacking ED officials; CPM leaders under scrutiny; Notice issued to M V Govindan, John Brittas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police will question CPM leaders who were present during the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials outside the residence of opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. Notices have been issued to all CPM leaders present at the spot including M V Govindan and John Brittas.

The special investigation team is examining whether there was any criminal conspiracy behind the attack on the ED officials. Several senior CPM state and district leaders were present outside Pinarayi Vijayan's rented residence. A total of 26 people were named as accused in the case, and 25 of them were arrested. Many of the accused have since been granted bail by the high court. Investigators are now looking into whether there was any conspiracy before filing the charge sheet.

Cyber experts had earlier examined the mobile phones of the accused. Audio messages in some group chats asking CITU workers and others to gather outside Pinarayi Vijayan's residence were found. However, any evidence showing that the messages explicitly called for violence were not found. The investigation team questioned some leaders today, and further questioning is expected to continue in the coming days.