Seven CPI-M workers held after two-hour standoff at party office over ED attack (Lead)

Thiruvananthapuram, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Seven CPI-M workers were taken into police custody on Wednesday for allegedly attacking Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and damaging their vehicles outside the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after their raid there, ending nearly two hours of high drama in the heart of the state capital.

The tense standoff unfolded outside a local CPI-M office where a few accused in the attack case were believed to have taken shelter after the violence that erupted following the ED raids linked to the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case.

Hectic discussions were held between top Kerala Police officials and senior CPI-M leaders outside as police handed over photographs of the identified accused to the party leaders.

Among the CPI-M leaders engaged in the talks were Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, former ministers V. Sivankutty and Kadakampally Surendran, besides CPI-M legislator V. Joy.

As police officials reportedly informed the CPI-M leaders that several of the identified accused were inside, Joy made it clear that the police would not be allowed to enter the party office under any circumstances.

However, at the end of prolonged discussions between the two sides, three of the accused were seen walking out of the party office before being taken into custody by the police.

Four others were also earlier detained in connection with the attack.

Brittas, who led the talks on behalf of the CPI-M, said the party would not protect any wrongdoers but urged the police not to create unnecessary tension around the party office.

"We will not shield anyone who has done wrong. Those involved can be arrested, even if it takes an hour or two. But there is no need to create a scene," Brittas told the media after the discussions with police officials.

Police had earlier identified at least 10 accused using CCTV visuals, media footage and videos circulating on social media.

Investigators alleged that CPI-M workers attacked ED officials and central security personnel using stones and concrete blocks after the raids concluded earlier in the day.

Several vehicles, including those used by ED officials, were damaged in the violence, while drivers and a few police personnel sustained injuries.

The incident has triggered a major political controversy in Kerala, with opposition parties accusing the CPI-M of attempting to intimidate central agencies probing the high-profile financial transactions case.

Source: IANS