4 arrested for attacking cops during Op Toofan anti-narcotics drive in Kerala

Four men, including a member of the armed forces, have been arrested in Kerala's Palakkad district for allegedly attacking police personnel during a vehicle inspection held as part of the anti-narcotics drive, Operation Toofan, officials said on Friday.

The police said the four were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident, which took place on Thursday night. A case has been registered against them under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to commit culpable homicide.

The arrested men were identified as Jinesh, 28, who is serving in the armed forces and was on leave, Ranjith, 37, Praveen, 39, and Aneesh, 35. All four are natives of Mannarkkad.

Officials at Hemambika Nagar police station said the incident took place when police were checking vehicles at Pazhampully near Paittamkunnam under Operation Toofan. According to the police, the accused were travelling in a vehicle that was stopped for inspection.

Police said Jinesh became agitated over the vehicle search and allegedly assaulted police personnel and argued with Sub-Inspector Sudarsana S. When Civil Police Officers John Xavier and Rajeesh intervened, Jinesh allegedly attacked them as well. Sub-Inspector Sudarsana also suffered injuries in the incident, police said.

Police personnel at the spot later overpowered Jinesh. However, as he was being moved to a police vehicle, the other three accused allegedly intervened and attacked the officers, officials said. Additional police personnel then rushed to the spot and took all four into custody.

The accused were taken to the police station and later produced before a court for remand proceedings. The case relates to an alleged attack on police during a vehicle check carried out as part of Operation Toofan in Palakkad district.

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