Inquiry Ordered Against Kerala Chief Minister

The Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate Court has directed an inquiry into allegations against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, following a complaint by district Congress committee president Mohammed Shiyas. Shiyas accuses Vijayan of justifying violent acts by CPM, DYFI, and SFI activists against Youth Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas, which he claims could incite further violence. The court's order mandates police to assess whether there are grounds for a formal investigation, but it does not constitute an automatic probe. Opposition leader V D Satheesan has called for a fair inquiry, expressing concerns over police impartiality given past inaction. Local self-government minister M B Rajesh clarified in the assembly that the court's directive is only to determine the validity of the claims made. The situation remains tense, with Congress warning of strong protests if the police continue to support the chief minister.