India, May 29 -- Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has strongly condemned the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials following search operations at properties linked to CPI(M) veteran Pinarayi Vijayan, calling the incident a serious criminal offence and urging political parties to refrain from encouraging violence.

Satheesan said that the assault on investigators, including women officials, and damage to official vehicles amounted to a grave law-and-order violation. He warned that those involved in such acts should be treated as criminals and stressed that such incidents must not be repeated.

He also praised the state police and Home Department for swiftly deploying forces to manage the situation as crowds gathered during th...