‘Gave him a lift’: Driver clarifies after suspended gunman spotted in Pinarayi Vijayan’s official escort car 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A different explanation emerged regarding the incident in which a suspended gunman travelled in the escort vehicle of opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. The strange explanation was given in response to an intelligence report stating that gunman Anil Kumar had taken the vehicle. The explanation is that the gunman did not take the vehicle for personal use but was given a lift while travelling from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram.

Police officer Sinoj, the driver of Pinarayi Vijayan’s escort vehicle, informed senior officials about the incident. Pinarayi had informed the driver that he would travel by train to attend a programme scheduled to take place in Ernakulam on Sunday. Accordingly, the driver had left early with the car.

However, Pinarayi did not arrive in Ernakulam because the programme was cancelled. The driver stated that while returning alone, he had given Anil Kumar a lift in the car. However, the intelligence wing found that Anil Kumar was not the only person in the vehicle. Gunman Sandeep, who was also under suspension in connection with a case involving an assault during rescue operations, was also travelling in the car.

Following the controversy, the Director General of Police (DGP) has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. The action was taken based on a report submitted by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP).

Anil Kumar used the Innova car, Pinarayi Vijayan’s escort vehicle while the opposition leader was inside the assembly. According to the preliminary intelligence report, the vehicle was taken to areas including Pathanapuram and Enathu.

Local residents noticed the vehicle when it stopped in Pathanapuram to buy and drink tender coconut water. They then informed the police. The Intelligence ADGP then reported the matter to the DGP.