Ramya Haridas-Congress workers’ clash rocks Chirayinkeezhu; KPCC moves to probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The physical altercation involving Alathur MLA Ramya Haridas and local Congress workers in Chirayinkeezhu has embarrassed the party, with both sides defending their positions and trading allegations over the incident. The dispute is linked to the election to a co-operative bank, for which local Congress leaders had decided to field different panels. Ramya alleged that her refusal to cooperate with the move had led to opposition against her.

The Alathur MLA alleged that a smear campaign had been carried out against her through the media and in tea-shop conversations. She said a discussion had been held at the block office over the utilisation of Scheduled Caste funds, after which Congress block general secretary Sajad posted a comment against her in the party's WhatsApp group along with a photograph from the meeting. When she questioned Sajad about the post, he allegedly told her that he had made the comment at the instance of district panchayat member Sajith Muttappalam and DCC member Viswanathan Nair, Ramya said.

Ramya said she went to Sajad's house after he invited her, telling her that his house was nearby and asking her to come over. While they were talking, around eight people, including Sajith, arrived, she alleged. Sajith allegedly spoke to her abusively and threatened that she would not have legs to return. He also allegedly grabbed and pulled her hand, following which she sought medical treatment, Ramya said.
She further alleged that a complaint had been filed against Sajith over financial irregularities related to the election. Ramya said she had four staff members, including Palayam Pradeep, who had been with her since her days as an MP.

'Palayam Pradeep caused the problem': Sajad

Sajad, however, said the issue began after Ramya came to his house and made his daughter read out the message he had posted in the party WhatsApp group. He alleged that Palayam Pradeep was behind the dispute and said questioning Pradeep's role had led to the confrontation. Sajad claimed that Pradeep was not part of the MLA's staff and had intervened in matters including construction work at Muthalapozhi.
Sajad said he had reacted after seeing a photograph of Pradeep attending a meeting at the block office. He alleged that Pradeep subsequently considered him an enemy and claimed that he was controlling the MLA.

Sajith Muttappalam also denied Ramya's allegations, saying she had run towards him, grabbed his hand and pulled him. He alleged that she was campaigning against him.

Case registered under non-bailable sections

Based on Ramya's complaint, Chirayinkeezhu police registered a case against 14 leaders, including Sajith and Sajad, invoking non-bailable provisions, including sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Sajith and his wife had also filed a complaint, but no case has been registered on it so far. The Youth Congress district leadership said it would stage protests if Sajith was arrested. A section of the party has been opposing Ramya since she was named the Congress candidate in Chirayinkeezhu.

KPCC appoints panel to probe clash

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has appointed a three-member panel to investigate the altercation. Neyyattinkara Sanal, M.M. Hassan and Ramani P. Nair will conduct the inquiry. KPCC president Sunny Joseph confirmed the appointment. The panel has been directed to hear both sides and submit its report at the earliest.

DCC members from the constituency, two block committee presidents and mandalam presidents have also been summoned to the KPCC office on Sunday. Ramya said she would not appear before the panel on Sunday as she has to attend a meeting of women MLAs in Delhi.