Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 (IANS) The Kerala Police’s investigation into the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials after the agency’s search at the residence of Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has been widened, with notices now being served on several senior CPI(M) leaders, including State secretary M.V. Govindan, Rajya Sabha member John Brittas and MLA V. Joy.
Police sources said several former legislators and senior party functionaries have also been asked to appear before the investigating team as part of an expanding probe into whether there was a premeditated conspiracy behind the violence that erupted after ED officials completed the search and attempted to leave the premises.
The ED team had come to question Vijayan’s daughter, Veena, in connection with the controversial CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case.
As the officials were leaving after the proceedings, they were allegedly attacked by party workers and supporters, triggering a major political controversy and prompting a criminal investigation.
So far, 25 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
While the Kerala High Court granted bail to the accused over the past few days after their arrests in the last week of May, the police investigation has continued, shifting its focus from the actual assault to the possibility of a larger conspiracy.
Investigators are examining whether the attack was spontaneous or whether party workers had been mobilised in advance with the intention of obstructing or attacking the Central agency officials after the search concluded.
As part of the next phase of the investigation, five youth leaders are being questioned on Thursday, with police planning to complete the questioning of all those issued notices over the next three weeks.
The questioning of senior CPI(M) leaders assumes significance as investigators seek to establish whether any instructions were issued before the incident or whether the mobilisation that culminated in the alleged assault was coordinated.
The outcome of the conspiracy probe is expected to determine whether the investigation remains confined to those who physically participated in the attack or extends to those suspected of having planned or instigated the violence.
–IANS
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