Thiruvananthapuram, July 24 (IANS) In a development that has reignited political debate in Kerala, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday compensated a taxi driver whose vehicle was vandalised by CPI-M workers during protests against the agency’s raid at the residence of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Thiruvananthapuram-based driver was handed the full compensation of around Rs 1.75 lakh, covering the damage caused to the taxi that had been hired by the ED for official duty.
The attack took place in May, when the ED team was leaving the house after conducting searches.
The raid was linked to the ongoing investigation involving Veena Vijayan, Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, who was staying with him at the rented residence and remains under the ED’s scanner.
As the officials exited the premises, CPI-M workers allegedly surrounded the convoy and attacked the vehicles.
The taxi hired by the ED bore the brunt of the violence, leaving it extensively damaged.
The driver, who maintained that he was merely carrying out his professional duty and had no role in the investigation, found himself caught in the crossfire of a politically charged confrontation.
The incident had triggered widespread condemnation, with the CPI-M initially announcing that it would compensate the driver for the losses.
However, despite the public assurance, the party later backed away from its promise, leaving the driver to pursue compensation for the damage to his only source of livelihood.
The ED has now stepped in to settle the entire claim, bringing relief to the driver after nearly two months of uncertainty.
The criminal case arising from the attack has also seen significant developments.
Police arrested 25 people in connection with the violence. So far, only one accused has been granted bail, while the remaining 24 continue to remain in judicial custody, underscoring the seriousness with which the courts have viewed the allegations.
The ED’s decision to compensate the driver is being seen as an unusual gesture by a central investigating agency.
Politically, however, the episode is expected to fuel fresh criticism of the CPI-M, with opponents questioning why the party failed to honour its own commitment even as the agency it had protested against ultimately came to the driver’s rescue.
–IANS
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