The security cover of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been significantly scaled down following his transition to the Leader of Opposition. His Z Plus security, which included a full escort and multiple gunmen, has been withdrawn and replaced with a Z category security detail with only two Personal Security Officers (PSOs).

The decision comes in the wake of the brutal assault on KSU workers during the Navakerala Sadas event in Alappuzha on December 5, 2023. What was initially termed a “rescue operation” by Pinarayi Vijayan has now become the subject of a fresh investigation ordered by the newly formed VD Satheesan government.

On that day, KSU district president AD Thomas and Youth Congress state secretary Ajay Juval were protesting in front of the Chief Minister’s bus near Alappuzha General Hospital Junction. Gunmen from Pinarayi’s convoy jumped out and brutally attacked them. AD Thomas, who was seriously injured in the assault, is now the MLA from Alappuzha.

The initial investigation by Alappuzha South police was allegedly interfered with by senior officials from Thiruvananthapuram who summoned the investigating team and instructed them to alter the case diary. Pinarayi Vijayan himself defended the incident as a “rescue operation” and claimed he had not seen the visuals broadcast by news channels.

SP AP Shoukathali now leads the Special Investigation Team looking into the case. His team is examining not just the actions of the gunmen but also the conspiracy behind the attack and the subsequent cover-up by police officials. The SIT has sent video footage for forensic analysis and has begun recording witness statements.

A key witness, Jojy, the cameraman who captured the attack on video for Jayhind TV, has revealed that he was threatened by police officers who warned him to withdraw from the case. He received indirect threats suggesting he could be killed in a staged accident.

Pinarayi Vijayan, who was Chief Minister when the incident occurred, has seen his Z Plus security cover removed after becoming Leader of Opposition. The escort vehicle has been withdrawn and only a pilot vehicle has been permitted. He has reportedly requested additional security personnel at his residence, which the government is considering sympathetically.

The investigation has also led to the removal of gunman Sandeep from Pinarayi’s security team. However, another accused security officer Anil Kumar continues to remain with Pinarayi. Both face departmental action.

SP AP Shoukathali, known for arresting CPM leader P Mohanan in the TP Chandrashekhar murder case and for his role in the 2020 gold smuggling case, has a history of crossing paths with the CPM leadership. His appointment to lead this investigation has raised political temperatures in the state.