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

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.