A day after witnessing violent clashes, peace was restored in the city on Saturday, even as sporadic untoward incidents were reported from outskirts of the city, especially Kattakada and Parassala.
The heavy deployment of police personnel in various parts of the city ensured that there were no further retaliatory attacks in the aftermath of the series of clashes among CPI (M) and BJP activists that had taken place a day ago. Focused on bringing to book those responsible for the attacks, the city police took three more persons, allegedly BJP activists, into custody in connection with the attack on the residence of CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s son Bineesh Kodiyeri at Maruthamkuzhi.
The Poojappura police, which apprehended the three persons, all natives of Koottanvila, were yet to divulge their identities. The police have also obtained visuals recorded by a CCTV camera installed at a workshop in Maruthamkuzhi, which shows seven persons passing by the area on four motorcycles in the wee hours of the day. Efforts were being made to identify the vehicles on the basis of the registration numbers and apprehend the possible suspects, who could have undertaken the vandalism on the house. The police on Friday had arrested 11 activists of either parties, including CPI (M) councilor I.P. Binu of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, following which they were remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
On the other hand, isolated incidents of violence were reported from other parts of the district including Kattakada despite prohibitory orders being enforced in the region. Unidentified miscreants hurled stones at the house of CPI (M) Kattakada town branch secretary Tomy Antony by around 11.30 p.m. on Friday. The CPI (M) have alleged the incident to be the handiwork of BJP activists. While a BJP activist was reportedly assaulted by a CPI (M) memebr in Parassala, the police were yet to confirm the alleged incident.
Separately, Inspector General (Thiruvananthapuram zone) Manoj Abraham announced a reward of Rs. 5000 for Prathinjaya Kumar, the civil police officer attached to the Museum police, for his brave deed in attempting to apprehend those who were behind the attack of the BJP State committee office. Mr. Abraham visited the injured policeman at the General Hospital. Two policemen were suspended, pending inquiry, for alleged inaction while the incident had taken place.
In a statement, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) state convener Thushar Vellappally lashed out at the CPI (M) for allegedly unleashing violence at the BJP state committee office. He accused the CPI (M) of adopting fascist means to suppress its political rivals. (EOM/SBG)
