Operation Toofan: Kerala Minister Warns Police of Dismissal Over Evidence Tampering

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Friday warned that police personnel found working against the government's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, or involved in misconduct such as tampering with evidence and misappropriating seized property would face dismissal from service.

Speaking after inaugurating Toofan 2.0 Thaddesham at Haripad in Alappuzha district, Chennithala described the campaign as a key government initiative aimed at protecting children and young people from drug abuse. He said around 99 per cent of police personnel were working sincerely as part of the drive and that it had received considerable public support.

The minister said the campaign would continue until drug networks were dismantled. The Home Department and Local Self-Government Department are working together with the police to strengthen its implementation, he added.

The initiative focuses on preventing drug abuse among young people and addressing the impact of addiction on their health and lives. The programme at Haripad was jointly organised by the state Home and Local Self-Government departments and the municipality.

Referring to a recent controversy in Kochi involving alleged irregularities in the handling of evidence, Chennithala said strict action would be taken against any police personnel found guilty of malpractice.

He specifically warned that officers involved in evidence tampering or misappropriation of seized property would not be allowed to continue in service. His remarks came amid allegations of irregularities by some personnel in handling seized narcotics and related evidence.

The minister also addressed the fatal Mercedes-Benz crash at Cheranalloor, in which a motorist was killed after being hit by a luxury car allegedly driven by a minor. He said action against police officials in connection with the incident was taken after receiving a report from the Additional Director General of Police.

On the transfer of senior IPS officer S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar from the post of Kochi City Police Commissioner following the incident, Chennithala said a transfer should not be treated as disciplinary action. He described it as a routine administrative process, adding that the order had not identified it as a punishment.