Thiruvananthapuram, 30 June (H.S.):The Museum Police have registered a third First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the series of clashes that have rocked the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation council meetings over the past week, this time acting on a complaint filed by UDF councillors over Monday's confrontation involving the attendance register.
The latest case was registered on the complaint of Palayam councillor Sherly S, supported by other UDF women councillors. Four BJP councillors have been named as accused. Mannanthala councillor Chempazhanthy Udayan has been listed as the first accused, while Kamaleswaram councillor Giri V, Poonkulam councillor Vayalakkara Ratheesh and Melamcode councillor Pappanamcode Saji have also been booked. They have been charged under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the FIR, the clash erupted around 3 pm on Monday after Chempazhanthy Udayan allegedly snatched the attendance register from Congress councillors. The UDF alleged that the BJP intentionally disrupted the signing process to prevent councillors from marking attendance, thereby safeguarding jailed BJP councillor R. Sugathan, who is detained under the KAAPA Act. Under local body rules, prolonged absence from council meetings can lead to disqualification.
The complaint further alleges that BJP councillors wrongfully restrained UDF members, including women councillors, when they attempted to sign the register. Sherly S alleged that she, UDF councillor Anitha S and others were assaulted, with Udayan allegedly striking Sherly on the back of her neck. The FIR also accuses the remaining BJP councillors of participating in the assault, resulting in injuries that required medical treatment.
The latest FIR comes after two earlier cases were registered following clashes between BJP and LDF councillors over protests demanding Sugathan's removal from the council. Meanwhile, BJP councillor Archana Manikandan has also lodged a complaint against UDF councillors. Police said her statement is yet to be recorded as she is undergoing treatment in hospital, following which another case is expected to be registered.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
