SPC forwards complaint against former CPI(M) district secretary Suresh Babu to Palakkad police

E.N. Suresh Babu | Photo Credit: TH A complaint seeking a police investigation into sexual harassment allegations against former Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Palakkad district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu has been forwarded to the Palakkad District Police Chief.Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary John Daniel had submitted the complaint to the State Police Chief (SPC), seeking registration of a case against Mr. Babu and an investigation. The SPC’s office has reportedly informed him that the complaint had been sent to the Palakkad police for further action.Woman’s complaintThe complaint alleges that a woman had submitted a complaint against Mr. Babu to the CPI(M) State leadership along with evidence. It also alleges that Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan failed to act on the complaint and seeks legal action against them as well.Mr. Babu was removed as Palakkad district secretary during the two-day expanded district committee meeting held to evaluate the election results. It is not common that a party secretary is removed mid-term.The police in Palakkad will conduct a preliminary inquiry and decide on further action. The investigation will examine the allegations and the evidence submitted. The Congress had earlier demanded a police investigation, alleging that the woman’s complaint was being kept from public scrutiny by the CPI(M) leadership.The Palakkad block committee of the Congress submitted a separate complaint to the District Police Chief, seeking an investigation and justice for the woman.CPI(M)’s plansThe CPI(M) is also reportedly considering keeping Mr. Babu away from party programmes until the State secretariat meets later this month. The party is considering a detailed inquiry by a special commission, with the State secretariat expected to decide on further organisational action.CPI(M) State committee member N.N. Krishnadas said the party had already kept Mr. Babu away from its activities after the complaint came to its notice. He said the party would examine the complaint and take appropriate organisational and legal action.The BJP has also demanded a police investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr. Babu. Palakkad East district president Prashanth Sivan said the CPI(M) should hand over the woman’s complaint to the police, arguing that the party could not act as a court.CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam said communist parties were bound to uphold their values and that the CPI(M)’s action of removing Mr. Babu as district secretary was in line with that principle. Published - October 07, 2026 08:36 pm IST