The Sampadak Express News Desk
The Keralam government will draw up a comprehensive action plan to expand and strengthen Operation Toofan, the State’s anti-narcotics campaign, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said in Thrissur on Monday, October 19, 2026. He told reporters the initiative, led by the Kerala Police with public support, would be made more effective and taken to more areas, according to The Hindu.
Chennithala said a detailed online review involving senior police officers, including the State Police Chief, and nodal officers had been held to discuss the proposed plan. He claimed drug use in the State had fallen by 30% and that incidents of violence, murder and law-and-order disturbances were also declining. Women had been among the strongest supporters of Operation Toofan, he added.
The Minister announced a parallel drive, Operation Spa, to crack down on unauthorised spas allegedly involved in sexual exploitation. He said police had received multiple complaints and conducted raids across the State in recent days. The government and police were treating the issue seriously and considering legislation to address it, he said, adding that spas exploiting women and families, cheating customers or operating without licences would face stringent legal action and that illegal establishments should be shut down immediately.
On road safety, Chennithala said nearly 10,000 people were arrested statewide over two days for drunk driving. He warned the government would not tolerate driving under the influence and that those responsible for accidents could face strong action under the Motor Vehicles Act, including cancellation of driving licences. He said many recent crashes in Keralam involved drivers who were drunk or under the influence of narcotic substances, and that tougher measures would be taken to curb the practice.
Chennithala commended the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, Rural Superintendent of Police and other personnel for the investigation into a murder at Karalam in Irinjalakuda, noting that the accused were identified within hours through a swift, scientific probe. He described the case as an example of the Kerala Police’s effectiveness in crime detection.
Addressing the reported death of a child in the Haripad constituency following malnutrition, the Minister said officials, including the tahsildar, had been dispatched to the location and directed to file a report after an inspection. He said the government was prepared to extend assistance to the family, if required.
