The Kerala High Court on Thursday, 18 June issued notice to five members of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's security team, acting on the state government's plea to cancel the anticipatory bail granted to the accused officers in connection with the alleged assault on Youth Congress and KSU workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme on 15 December 2023. The case has gained fresh urgency as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) simultaneously intensified its probe, inspecting the office of the then Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajithkumar.

High Court Notice and Bail Challenge

Justice C.S. Dias ordered notice to the five accused police personnel, who had been granted pre-arrest bail by the Sessions Court, Alappuzha. The court granted the accused time to file their counter affidavit, with the matter posted for further hearing on 27 June.

The state government has challenged the bail order, arguing that the SIT's investigation revealed the ministerial convoy had passed without obstruction and that the accused personnel allegedly advanced towards the protesters despite there being no threat. The government has also contended that the Sessions Court's observation regarding the surrender of weapons was factually incorrect, and that continuation of bail could adversely affect the ongoing investigation.

SIT Inspects ADGP Office — A First

In a significant parallel development, the SIT team led by Deputy SP Baiju Paulose inspected the office of then ADGP Ajithkumar, collecting the visitor register, CCTV footage, and other official records from the office and the police club. This inspection was reportedly triggered by statements from members of the earlier investigating team alleging that certain case records were altered at the ADGP's office.

Notably, this is reportedly the first time in Kerala that an SIT has inspected the office of an officer of ADGP rank as part of a criminal investigation — a detail that underscores the seriousness with which the current probe is being pursued.

What Happened on 15 December 2023

According to the prosecution, Youth Congress and KSU workers approached the KSRTC bus carrying then Chief Minister Vijayan and Cabinet members during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme and raised slogans in protest. While the protesters were reportedly restrained and the ministers' movement was secured, the accused members of the escort team allegedly alighted from their vehicle armed with lathis and assaulted the protesters.

The state government alleges the assault continued even after the situation had been brought under control, and that the accused caused injuries with the knowledge that their actions could endanger the lives of the victims. The SIT also reportedly found that the weapons used were not part of the authorised equipment normally issued to escort personnel.

Why the Sessions Court Granted Bail

The Sessions Court, Alappuzha had granted anticipatory bail on the grounds that the state had already constituted an SIT for a fresh probe, limiting the accused's ability to influence the investigation given their rank as constables rather than senior officers. The court had further noted that custodial interrogation was unnecessary since the lathis allegedly used in the assault had already been surrendered — a factual assertion the state government now disputes before the High Court.

What Comes Next

The Kerala High Court will take up the matter again on 27 June. The SIT's inspection of the ADGP's office signals that the probe is expanding beyond the on-ground assailants to examine whether there was any institutional cover-up or tampering with records. The outcome of the bail challenge could determine whether the accused officers face custodial interrogation.