Major changes announced in policing Kerala; Operation Toofan to be launched on June 1

After assuming charge of the Home portfolio in the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced a slew of major reforms across the State’s 484 police stations. The changes were unveiled following a high-level meeting attended by senior police officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) and above at the police headquarters here on Saturday (May 23, 2026).

Aiming to transform police stations into citizen-friendly public service centres, the Minister said every person visiting a police station would be greeted with ‘Good morning’ or ‘Namaste’. Steps would also be taken to ensure cleanliness in all police stations, while complaints from the public would be heard with sensitivity and impartiality. As part of the reforms, the police training curriculum will also be revamped to bring about significant changes in policing practices.

Mr. Chennithala said there has been a growing opinion that police stations should have the presence of Sub-Inspectors (SIs), Circle Inspectors (CIs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs). A five-member committee headed by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Headquarters has been constituted to study the proposal, and further action will be taken based on its recommendations.

Vehicles lying abandoned for years on the premises of police stations will be removed under the provisions of the Police Act, the Minister said. The Minister also announced ‘Operation Toofan – The Narco Hunt,’ a major anti-drug drive by the Kerala Police scheduled to be launched on June 1, aimed at eradicating drug networks and curbing the exploitation of students by narcotics rackets.

As part of the operation, organised drug networks functioning covertly across the State will be targeted. Individuals involved in narcotics trafficking will be kept under strict surveillance, including those linked to parties at five-star hotels and DJ events, he said.

Mr. Chennithala also said stringent action would be initiated against perpetrators of crimes against women and children. The Janamaithri Police initiative will be strengthened, while technology-driven interventions will be introduced to reduce traffic accidents in the State. Against the backdrop of rising cybercrime, a comprehensive strategy will be formulated to tackle emerging cyber threats, he added. The Minister also assured that lawbreakers and offenders would face strict action.