The Kerala Police have taken action against Union Minister Suresh Gopi, filing an FIR accusing him of misusing an ambulance to reach the Thrissur Pooram venue. The Thrissur East police registered the case under sections 279 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 179, 288, and 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The FIR alleges that Gopi traveled in an ambulance, a vehicle specifically designed for transporting patients, which constitutes a violation of the law. This move follows a complaint filed by CPI district leader Sumesh KP.
The controversy surrounding Gopi’s alleged actions has sparked political tensions in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition has claimed that the disruption of the Thrissur Pooram, which took place on the day of the alleged incident, was intentionally orchestrated to benefit Gopi, who was the BJP candidate for the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency during the time. The opposition has accused the police of interfering in the religious rituals, leading to the disruption.
Gopi initially responded to the allegations by demanding a CBI probe, stating that he was prepared to face it. He claimed that he did not arrive at the festival site in an ambulance but in a private car belonging to the BJP district president. He accused those who saw him in an ambulance of having an illusion. He went on to say that many, including former and current ministers in Kerala, fear being questioned by the police.
However, in a later statement, Gopi retracted his initial claim, stating that his car was attacked by goons, causing him to sustain leg injuries. He explained that he had to travel in the ambulance due to these injuries.
The Kerala Police are currently investigating the allegations against Gopi and the circumstances surrounding the Thrissur Pooram disruption. This incident has become a significant political issue in Kerala, highlighting tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. The investigation is expected to shed more light on the accusations against Gopi and the alleged police involvement in the disruption of the religious festival.
