Published Jun 10, 2026 | 12:23 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 10, 2026 | 12:23 PM
R Sugathan.
Synopsis: Dramatic scenes unfolded in Vattiyoorkavu after police arrested BJP councillor R Sugathan, the Vazhottukonam ward councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, in connection with an attempted murder case. As the situation turned volatile and the police struggled to move the accused from the area, the SHO fired warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd.
Dramatic scenes unfolded in Vattiyoorkavu on the night of Tuesday, 9 June, after police arrested BJP councillor R Sugathan, the Vazhottukonam ward councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, in connection with an attempted murder case.
The Vattiyoorkavu police took Sugathan into custody following a tip-off that he was hiding within the station limits after evading arrest for several days.
The Kerala High Court had earlier rejected his anticipatory bail plea and directed him to appear before the investigating officer by 7 June.
However, he failed to comply and reportedly went into hiding.
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According to police, Sugathan is accused in a case related to an attempt to murder a man following an altercation during a temple festival.
Tension escalated during the arrest when a large number of Sugathan’s supporters gathered at the spot and allegedly surrounded the police team led by Vattiyoorkavu Station House Officer (SHO) Vipin.
As the situation turned volatile and the police struggled to move the accused from the area, the SHO fired warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
Following the police action, Sugathan was shifted to the station amid tight security.
Sugathan had earlier figured in the rowdy list, and his candidature in local body elections had also sparked controversy.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
