In a security scare on Sunday night, Kozhikode police arrested five individuals found travelling in a van that was closely tailing the convoy of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The incident occurred as the CM was en route from Kannur to the PWD Guest House in Kozhikode, with his official escort in place.

The van, notably lacking a number plate, was spotted driving just behind the health department’s ambulance — the final vehicle in the convoy — as it crossed the Vengali Bridge. Alerted by the suspicious proximity, the CM’s security team intercepted the vehicle.

Upon inspection, a walkie-talkie was recovered from inside the van, prompting immediate detainment of the five occupants. Police also seized the vehicle along with some electrical and automobile equipment.

The five men, later identified as electrical workers, were booked under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for impersonating public servants. They were placed under preventive detention overnight and released on Monday morning after questioning and statement recording.

The arrested individuals are:

  • Chalakkaparambil Naseeb (41), Thekkumuri, Tirur

  • Chakkalakkapurayi Jyothibas (42), Aakod, Vazhakkad

  • Kurishipallathu Mohammed Haris (37), Palathol, Perinthalmanna

  • Puzhakkal Faisal (45), Thachingadam, Perinthalmanna

  • Cheruthody Abdul Wahid (47), Amayur, Koppam, Palakkad

    • According to the FIR registered by Nadakkavu police, the men were returning from work in Kannur and headed to Palakkad. However, the reason for their close trailing of the CM’s motorcade remains unclear.

    The Chief Minister is currently in Kozhikode for the final day of the SFI All India Conference.