Actor-MP Suresh Gopi booked for ‘using ambulance’ during Thrissur Pooram

Gopi had won from Thrissur Lok Sabha seat – the BJP’s only seat from Kerala – in the election held on April 26, just days after the Pooram festival on April 19.

The FIR alleged that Gopi and others travelled by an ambulance as part of an election campaign strategy, misused the vehicle, and drove it through a busy street in Thrissur on the night of Pooram. (Photo: X)

Kerala Police on Sunday registered a case against Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi for allegedly travelling by an ambulance during the Thrissur Pooram festival in April this year. He has denied the allegations.

Gopi had won from Thrissur Lok Sabha seat – the BJP’s only seat from Kerala – in the election held on April 26, just days after the Pooram festival on April 19.

Organisers this year had threatened to abandon the festival’s ritual processions and iconic fireworks display amid police restrictions. However, as the festival was staring at a deadlock, Gopi suddenly appeared at the spot, allegedly by ambulance, and held discussions with organisers, paving the way for resumption of the Pooram events.

The CPI, a member of the ruling Left front, and the Opposition Congress had alleged that there was a conspiracy behind the Pooram issues. Gopi has denied the claims, and said that he reached the spot by car.

The case was registered at Thrissur East police station based on a complaint from advocate Sumesh Bhavadasan. The FIR alleged that Gopi and others travelled by an ambulance as part of an election campaign strategy, misused the vehicle, and drove it through a busy street in Thrissur on the night of Pooram. The FIR was registered under section 279 and 34 of IPC and sections 184, 188 and 192 of Motor Vehicle Act.

Gopi has denied the allegations and last week, he challenged the state government to order a CBI probe into the issue.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

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