Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
The Keralam government will prepare a comprehensive action plan to expand and strengthen Operation Toofan, the State’s anti-narcotics campaign, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said.
Addressing media persons in Thrissur on Monday (October 19, 2026), the Minister said the Kerala Police had successfully implemented the initiative with public support and were taking steps to extend its reach and make it more effective. A detailed online meeting involving senior police officers, including the State Police Chief, and nodal officers had been held to discuss the proposed action plan, he said.
The Minister claimed that drug use in the State had declined by 30% and that incidents of violence, murder and law-and-order disturbances were also decreasing considerably. He said women had been among the strongest supporters of Operation Toofan.
Unauthorised spas
The government would also launch Operation Spa to crack down on unauthorised spas allegedly involved in sexual exploitation, he said. The police had received several complaints about illegal activities at such establishments and had been conducting raids across the State over the past few days. The government and the police were treating the issue seriously and were considering legislation to address the problem, he said. Spas exploiting women and families, cheating customers or operating without licences would face stringent legal action, and illegal establishments should be shut down immediately, he said.
Drunk driving
On steps to check drunk driving, the Minister said nearly 10,000 people had been arrested across the State over two days for driving under the influence of alcohol. The government would not tolerate drunk driving, and those responsible for accidents could face stringent action under the Motor Vehicles Act, including cancellation of driving licences. He said in many of the recent road accidents in Keralam, drunk people or those under the influence of narcotic substances were at the wheel. Strong measures would be taken to curb the practice, he added.
The Minister congratulated the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, Rural Superintendent of Police and other police personnel involved in the investigation into the murder at Karalam in Irinjalakuda. He praised the police for identifying the accused within hours through swift and scientific investigation, describing it as an example of the Kerala Police’s effectiveness in crime detection.
On the death of a child in the Haripad constituency reportedly following malnutrition, Mr. Chennithala said officials, including the tahsildar, had been sent to the spot and directed to submit a report after an inspection. The government was prepared to extend assistance to the family, if required, he added.
Published – October 21, 2026 08:54 pm IST
