Police summon former chairman of Thodupuzha district for questioning over suspected drug abuse

Police have issued a summons to former Thodupuzha Municipal Chairman Saneesh George for questioning after he was detained on Thursday (September 17, 2026) on suspicion of drug abuse.

According to the police, Mr. George was taken into custody from Kodikkulam near Thodupuzha during a search operation led by the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) as part of the state’s ongoing anti-drug drive ‘Operation Toofan’.

An official at the Kanjar police station said drug-related equipment was seized from the former municipal chairman. “Synthetic drugs were not found on George’s person. However, a notice under relevant statutory provisions was served directing him to appear for detailed questioning,” the officer said.

In 2020, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) won power in Thodupuzha municipality by supporting George, who had fought as a rebel in the Congress, for the post of chairman. He was impeached in 2024 after being named the second accused in a bribery case, after which he returned to Congress.

Meanwhile, activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a protest march to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) office in Thodupuzha on Thursday, alleging that the authorities were trying to shield Mr. George from the drug case.

Published – 17 Sep 2026 19:33 IST