Man tries to attack CM Pinarayi Vijayan at Kerala house

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major security lapse, a knife-wielding man created ruckus at Kerala House in Delhi by threatening to commit suicide on Saturday, minutes before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was to leave for CPM politburo meeting.

The chief minister’s security overpowered the man who was identified as Vimal Raj, from Chettinkulangara in Alappuzha. He was brandishing a knife and threatening to end his life.

The CPM politburo condemned the incident and demanded a high level inquiry into the security breach.

The incident took place at 9.45 am when journalists were waiting near the chief minister’s room to seek his reaction on denial of AIIMS to the state and Centre’s indifference towards Kerala.

Vimal Raj was also standing with the group of media persons who had gathered there since 8.30 am.

On being questioned about his identity, the 46-year-old man immediately took out a knife and tried to rush towards the chief minister. At this time he was shouting that he wanted to end his life. “The chief minister is not allowing me to live. I met the chief minister five times in Thiruvananthapuram and Delihi. However,  he has not redressed my grievances. He is not allowing me to live,” he screamed.

The CM security swung into action immediately and overpowered him and tied his hands behind. He was later taken away for questioning.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Office said Vimalraj was suspected to be having some heath problems. .

On Saturday he was moving around with a bag containing the knife since 7.30 am.  Officials said he was also seen within and outside Kerala House premises during the past two days. The Delhi police is probing the matter.