Operation Toofan Crackdown in Perumbavoor
On Friday, 3 July 2026, Kerala Home & Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala visited Perumbavoor – a town known as Asia’s plywood capital – to launch a sweeping anti‑narcotics operation dubbed Operation Toofan, described as India’s largest anti‑narcotics mission. During the visit the Minister announced the creation of a dedicated Special Task Force that will be led directly by State Police Chief Rawada Asad Chandrasekhar. The Task Force is tasked with coordinating anti‑narcotics operations across Kerala and will deploy additional police personnel to reinforce the crackdown in Perumbavoor.
Enforcement Leadership
The on‑ground enforcement effort in Perumbavoor is being led by ACP Hardik Meena, a young IPS cadre officer hand‑picked by the Minister. Meena’s role and the broader police deployment were highlighted as central to dismantling drug networks that operate across state lines.
Community Engagement
Minister Chennithala explicitly stated that the narcotics network had exploited migrant labourers as cover and that the operation targets the network, not the workers. He addressed the migrant workforce in Hindi, administered a collective anti‑narcotics pledge, and presented “Toofan Warrior” badges to migrant worker representatives at Kandanthara Bhai Colony. The Minister declared the entire population of Perumbavoor – residents and migrant workers alike – as “Toofan Warriors”, framing the fight against narcotics as a shared civic identity.
Health Initiative
In parallel with the enforcement drive, a health‑support component called “Toofan Care” was launched. Thirty‑five hospitals have expressed willingness to join the initiative, with Angamaly Little Flower Hospital identified as the first partner.
Public Mobilisation
Thousands of participants – including elected representatives, police officers, community‑organisation leaders, students and business figures – took part in the “Toofan Jagaran” rally. The rally culminated in a mass anti‑narcotics pledge and a march through the municipal stadium. Notable political figures present included Benny Behanan MP and Manoj Moothedan MLA.
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