Chargesheet prepared in ED attack case; 27 accused named

The vehicle of Enforcement Directorate officials being blocked by attackers as they leave after conducting a raid at the residence of Keralam Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram in May 2026 | Photo Credit: Nirmal Harindran The Thiruvananthapuram City Police have prepared a preliminary chargesheet in the case involving the alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid at the residence of the Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in the state capital four months ago.The chargesheet prepared by the Museum Police has named 27 of the 28 accused in the case, all of who are CPI(M) and DYFI activists. CPI(M) worker Palayam Santhosh, the 26th accused, who has been absconding since the incident, has been excluded from the first chargesheet.The chargesheet is expected to be submitted for further legal advice before being formally filed at the court within a week, sources said.An official said the investigation team continues to pursue Palayam Santhosh and he could be included in a supplementary chargesheet, which could also include more accused persons are the probe progresses into the alleged conspiracy behind the attack.Adarsh B.S., the 27th accused, was arrested at the Chennai International Airport last month upon his arrival from the United Arab Emirates. He had reportedly been the subject of a lookout notice after leaving the country soon after the incident. The purported attack on ED officials had taken place on May 27, 2026, after they completed a search at Mr. Vijayan’s rented residence near the Bakery Junction in the city. The raid was undertaken in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case, involving his daughter T. Veena.According to the prosecution case, a group of CPI(M) and DYFI activists allegedly intercepted the vehicles transporting the ED officials as they were leaving, attacked them and vandalised the cars. The case, registered against 300 individuals, includes legal provisions pertaining to attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, destruction of public property and obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their duties. Published - September 22, 2026 08:06 pm IST