What began before dawn as a tightly guarded Enforcement Directorate (ED) operation at the residence of Kerala Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram slowly transformed into one of the most volatile political street scenes the capital city has witnessed in recent years. The ED raid led to several protests by Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers across the State.

The raid, which began around 6 a.m., stretched for nearly eight hours under the watch of CRPF and the Kerala Police personnel. By afternoon, the narrow lane leading to the house became a corridor of confrontation.

Hundreds of CPI(M) workers gathered outside the residence, shouting slogans against the central agency and denouncing the action as politically motivated. Senior party leaders repeatedly appealed for restraint, but the crowd’s anger spilled beyond verbal protest.

Emotionally charged scenes ensued as workers attempted to scale the compound walls and iron barricades. At several points during the operation, bottles, sandals and other objects were hurled towards the CRPF personnel who guarded the gate.

Dramatic scenes unfolded after the ED team completed the search operation and prepared to leave the premises. As officials, including women officers, emerged from the house and moved towards their vehicles under the CRPF protection, the protesters surged outside the main gate, booting and hooting at the officials as they stepped out. Three vehicles carrying ED personnel initially attempted to move out, but were quickly surrounded by agitators.

The irate crowd banged on the vehicles, hurled objects and blocked their path. Soon, the vehicles were vandalised as protesters smashed the front and rear windshields, and struck the vehicle doors amid chaotic scenes near the gate.

Police personnel struggled to push back the crowd as protesters closed in on the convoy. The ED officials inside the vehicles were visibly shaken as demonstrators beat against the cars and shouted slogans from point-blank range. A driver and three police officers sustained injuries during the attack, according to officials.

The deteriorating situation eventually forced the police officers to lathi charge at the activists and create a corridor for the convoy to exit safely. The lane outside the residence, which is bordered by buildings, parked vehicles and a nursing home, added to the tension. The scenario triggered fears of a stampede-like crisis if the crowd spiralled out of control.

The ED officials later submitted a formal complaint at the Thampanoor police station regarding the attack on the convoy and damage to the vehicles.