Thiruvananthapuram: The Vattiyoorkavu police have issued notices to several BJP leaders, including deputy mayor Asha Nath and councillors, in connection with a protest march to the Vattiyoorkavu police station that followed the Nettayam clash. The leaders have been directed to appear at the station on Thursday to record their statements.
Key Accused Named
Councillor Sumi Balu has been named the first accused in the case. Former Director General of Police and BJP councillor R Sreelekha is the fifth accused, while deputy mayor Asha Nath is the sixth. Councillor Yamuna also received a notice. Police visited Sreelekha's residence to serve the notice but were informed that she was out of town.
Background of the Case
The case stems from a BJP march to the police station and subsequent clashes on April 21, after a confrontation between BJP and CPM workers at Nettayam. According to the police report, BJP leaders allegedly insulted the police during the protest. Sreelekha's remarks against the force had earlier sparked controversy, leading to her inclusion as an accused.
The accused have been booked under Sections 189(1) and 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 191(2) (rioting), and 285 (obstruction in public ways) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 117(e) of the Kerala Police Act.
Protest Details
The protest march was led by the BJP Mahila Morcha and attended by women councillors of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation under Sreelekha's leadership. It was organized alleging that police forcibly entered a building within the Balasubramania Temple premises at Edappazhinji, under Vattiyoorkavu police station limits, and broke open its door to arrest BJP-RSS workers.
Earlier, mayor V V Rajesh alleged repeated police excesses against BJP councillors and workers in Vattiyoorkavu and announced plans to approach the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, seeking action against local police leadership. The mayor had demanded strict action against Vattiyoorkavu circle inspector Vipin, accusing him of deliberately targeting BJP workers and creating unrest. He claimed that despite the FIR in a recent clash at Malamukal stating that CPM workers pelted stones at the police, officers were selectively acting against BJP members.
