BJP, LDF trade charges after arrest of BJP councillor

Thiruvananthapuram: A day after BJP Vazhottukonam ward councillor R Sugathan – an accused in an attempt-to-murder case and a detainee under KAAPA – was arrested, the BJP alleged police excess while LDF demanded his removal from city council.

Defending Sugathan, corporation mayor V V Rajesh accused the police of creating an atmosphere of fear and acting in undue haste. He questioned the need for a heavily coordinated operation and alleged that the police unnecessarily terrorised Sugathan’s family.

Rajesh, who was in New Delhi, said the police were misleading the public by portraying Sugathan as a KAAPA accused, claiming that the related proceedings were not fully completed. “There was no situation in Thiruvananthapuram that warranted firing a shot and creating panic before arresting a councillor in front of his family,” he said.

The mayor also levelled serious allegations against Vattiyoorkavu SHO Vipin A C, describing him as an officer with a “criminal mindset”. He further alleged that the officer, who had earlier been placed on compulsory leave by authorities, was reinstated through the intervention of a former MLA. Rajesh said the BJP would extend all political and legal support to Sugathan. He visited Sugathan’s residence in the evening and met his family members.

BJP city district president Karamana Jayan also condemned the arrest, alleging political vendetta. Referring to the attempt-to-murder case registered against Sugathan, he said such charges were often slapped against political workers and claimed he too had faced similar accusations in the past.

At around 4pm, BJP workers took out a protest march from Mannarakonam to the Vattiyoorkavu police station demanding action against the officers involved in the arrest. Police intervened and ensured that the protest concluded without any untoward incidents.

LDF demands councillor be removed

LDF launched a sharp attack on Sugathan. City corporation LDF parliamentary party leader S P Deepak alleged that Sugathan was a habitual criminal and demanded that he be removed from the council following his imprisonment under the KAAPA. Deepak accused the BJP and the city administration of attempting to turn the capital into a haven for criminal gangs and claimed Sugathan had amassed wealth through real-estate dealings and alleged sand-mafia links.

Home minister praises police

Adding to the political row, home minister Ramesh Chennithala praised the police action, saying there was nothing unusual about the arrest. He asserted that Kerala would not be allowed to become a paradise for goons and warned of strict action against criminal elements irrespective of their political affiliations. The minister also commended the officers who carried out the operation, including the warning shot fired during the arrest, and cautioned against attempts to demoralise the police through what he termed “false narratives” surrounding the incident.