Palakkad , 28 March(HS):

The Congress party has expelled Palakkad municipal councillor Prashobh C. Valsan following serious allegations of sexual assault. The action was announced by District Congress Committee (DCC) President A. Thankappan, acting on directives from the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership.

Calling for accountability, Thankappan urged the councillor to resign from his elected position on moral grounds. He also stated that such ethical standards should be upheld across political parties, while downplaying the likelihood of the issue becoming a major electoral concern.

Meanwhile, the police have initiated steps to investigate the complaint. Officials confirmed that the statement of the complainant—a young Dalit woman—will be recorded soon. According to the police, the accused councillor is currently absconding.

The allegations have quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, with both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) preparing to use the issue as a campaign plank. LDF candidate N.M.R. Razaq condemned the incident, stating that such acts are unacceptable and reflect a larger pattern of misconduct shielded by positions of power.

BJP leader Shobha Surendran also launched a strong attack, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. She warned that if prompt action is not taken, she would approach the Palakkad Superintendent of Police directly and lead protests to ensure justice.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly befriended the woman under the pretext of offering her a job and later sexually assaulted her at his residence. The survivor has submitted formal complaints to the Chief Minister and the district police chief, seeking swift action.

The case has intensified political tensions in Palakkad, raising concerns over accountability and the conduct of elected representatives.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman