The CPI(M)-led opposition on Thursday forced the adjournment of the Kerala Assembly over alleged police excess against women MLAs demanding re-investigation of charges against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien in the Suryanelli rape case.
Though Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced that the government was prepared for a judicial inquiry into the police action on CPI MLAs E.S. Bijimol and Geetha Gopi on Wednesday, opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan insisted on immediate suspension of the “erring” police personnel.
Mr. Chandy, quoting the ADGP’s report and visuals on the incident, said though nothing could be found in them to take instant action against police officials, considering the seriousness of the incident the government was ready for a judicial probe.
After heated exchanges during the Zero Hour, rejecting the government’s stand, slogan-shouting opposition members rushed to the well of the House. Some MLAs even scaled the Speaker’s podium and kept on chanting “we want justice and protection.” Speaker G. Karthikeyan then rushed through the rest of the business and adjourned the House hours ahead of the day’s schedule.
