Published Jan 21, 2025 | 1:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 21, 2025 | 1:07 PM
Koothattukulam councillor accuses CPIM workers of abduction to coerce no-confidence vote
In a significant development, the Koothattukulam police in Kerala have arrested four CPI(M) workers in connection with the abduction of party councillor Kala Raju.
The arrests come amidst widespread criticism of the police for their alleged laxity in handling the case.
Those arrested include Arun V Mohan (40), branch secretary of Chellakkapadi; Tony Bobby (34), a member of the Kothattukulam Town Branch; Rinse Varghese (42), a member of the Chellakkapadi Branch; and Sajith Abraham (40), from the Paittakulam Branch.
Investigations revealed that Arun V Mohan actively participated in the abduction and forced Raju into a vehicle.
The police have also registered cases against 45 individuals, including the CPI(M) area secretary, municipal chairperson, vice-chairman, and local secretary, based on a complaint filed by Raju’s children.
The abduction occurred just before a no-confidence motion was to be discussed against the LDF-led council in the Koothattukulam municipality in the Ernakulam district, where the LDF holds a slim majority of 13 in the 25-member body.
Kala Raju was allegedly taken in the official vehicle of the municipal chairperson as she arrived to cast her vote, with reports indicating she intended to side with the opposition UDF.
The alleged incident took place on Saturday, 18 January, with Kala Raju claiming that the abduction was orchestrated under the direction of the CPI(M) area secretary.
While no physical harm was inflicted at the party office, she reported that she was subjected to constant attempts to dissuade her from voting in favour of the motion.
During the ordeal, she reportedly experienced chest pain, a condition exacerbated by her heart disease.
Despite requesting medical attention, she claimed that she was only provided with basic medication and further treatment was delayed until approval from party authorities.
The shocking incident reverberated in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday, where the opposition raised it as an adjournment motion.
Piravom MLA Anoop Jacob, presenting the motion, accused the police of blatant apathy.
Speaking of the incident, he said, “The laxity of the police is evident. Miscreants abducted Kala Raju in broad daylight, and the Muvattupuzha DySP, who was present at the spot, took no action. When the incident drew public outrage, the police were forced to act. Seven hours later, she was released after behind-the-scenes talks with local CPI(M) leaders.”
“Shockingly, she was held at the party’s area committee office, just 500 meters from the Koothattukulam police station. A special investigation must probe both the abduction and the police’s complicity,” said Jacob.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also strongly criticised the government, questioning women’s safety in the state.
“The government claims it prioritizes women’s security, yet a woman, who is also a councillor of the ruling party, was abducted in broad daylight by her own party members. The police didn’t just look the other way—they ensured a safe passage for the abductors. This incident exposes the reality of law and order in Kerala,” he said.
Tensions flared as UDF supporters staged a protest in front of the municipal office and later held a sit-in protest at the entrance gate of the Koothattukulam police station, creating a roadblock.
The protest, led by Piravom MLA, prompted the police to register another case (Crime No. 65/2025). Separate cases (Crime Nos. 63/2025 and 64/2025) have also been filed over allegations that UDF workers attacked the municipal chairperson and organized an unlawful procession.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that the police would take all necessary actions to address the issue. “The government will not tolerate such incidents. Those responsible will face the law,” he said. “There are no ongoing tensions or law-and-order issues in the area,” the chief minister said.
