Security strengthened in city, attempt to arrest BJP councillors thwarted

The City police on Monday took into custody a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in connection with the alleged attack on Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.K. Prasanth.

Anand, a native of Valiyavila, who is one of the 27 accused in the case, was apprehended by the police. He was found to have been among those who were present at the council when the alleged incident took place.

Meanwhile, tense scenes unfolded on the premises of a private hospital near Attukal when a police team attempted to arrest BJP councillors V.G. Girikumar, R.C. Beena and M. Lekshmi, who were under treatment at the hospital. As news of their arrival spread, many workers of the BJP gathered in the area in an apparent bid to oppose the police move. In view of the volatile situation, the police team that was led by Museum Inspector K.S. Prasanth withdrew from the scene.

BJP State president Kummanam Rajasekharan, who warned of ‘dire consequences’ if the police proceeded with the move to arrest the BJP workers on the charge of attempt to murder, later met State Police Chief Loknath Behera to present their stance.

Peace prevailed in the district on Monday, a day after clashes had taken place, between CPI (M) and BJP in the city and CPI (M) and SDPI in other parts. According to Inspector General (Thiruvananthapuram range), the situation was brought under control and there was no need for concern.

Security has been stepped up in various parts of the city, including party offices and those of feeder organisations. Besides, the police have begun to apprehend those responsible for clashes that had taken place in the city.

According to the District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram city) P. Prakash, seven BJP workers, namely Vinod Kumar, 43, Vishnu, 27, Girish Kumar, 44, Vinu Kumar, 39, Kiran, 24, Abhijith, 20, and Raju, 30, were arrested in connection with the attack on the CPI (M) district committee office. Moreover, six DYFI workers, Rahul, 18, Surya, 19, Manu, 21, Akhil, 21, Surjith, 18 and Ananthu, 20, were also arrested for allegedly destroying flag poles in Kuriathy. The official added that patrolling has been intensified across the city.

Medical Board

A special medical board, led by the Superintendent of Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, has been constituted to supervise the treatment of the Mayor. The hospital authorities have also decided to impose strict restrictions on visitors for him.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Kerala Municipal and Corporation Staff Union (KMCSU) have both demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the alleged attack.