On 25th January, DCP Law and Order, Chaithra Teresa John raided the Thiruvananthapuram District Committee office of CPI(M) following a tip-off that the DYFI workers who had pelted stones at the Medical College police station the previous night were hiding there. Within hours of the raid, on special instructions from the chief minister’s office, Chaithra was transferred to the Women’s Cell.

As per reports, on Wednesday night, a group of DYFI workers pelted stones on the Medical College police station in Thiruvananthapuram after the police arrested two DYFI workers involved in a case registered under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. Following the attack, a case was registered under against more than 50 DYFI workers. Later, working on a tip-off that the accused were hiding there, the police raided CPI(M) district committee office where CPI(M) workers protested against the raids. While some low-ranking officers suggested Chaithra to reconsider her decision to raid the CPI(M) office, she was adamant. Subsequently, CPI(M) district leadership approached higher-ups demanding action against Chaithra.

Chaithra, who was holding additional charge of DCP when R Adithya was on Sabarimala duty followed by a four-day leave, was removed from the additional charge and sent back to the Women’s Cell. As per reports, Kerala Police Chief has also sought an explanation from Chaithra for the raids conducted.