Clash between CPM councillor and police at Attukal temple; women CPOs injured

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police and councillor clashed over the issue of letting devotees in and out of the Attukal Bhagavathy temple. Fort police have registered a case against Attukal ward councillor R. Unnikrishnan in the incident. The incident took place at the Attukal west gate at around 11:30 am today.

The problem arose when the councillor tried to let his loved ones pass without waiting in line at the temple during a busy time. The police officer on duty stopped him. The councillor then verbally abused him and created havoc by pushing through the crowd, police said. During the scuffle, a woman CPO, Ashwani, fell on the stairs and sought treatment at the hospital.

Another female CPO, Jyothi, was also injured, the complaint states. The Fort police have registered a case of assaulting and injuring women and obstructing duty. It is clear from the CCTV that Ashwani, a female police officer, was injured by the hands of both the male police and Unnikrishnan during the pushing and shoving between them.

Councillor R. Unnikrishnan said that the police attacked him first in the incident. CCTV footage of the incident has also come out. When he asked the police to let the elderly people board without standing in a queue, they forbade him. Then he was pushed by the police, according to Unnikrishnan. It is clear from the CCTV, says Unnikrishnan. Unnikrishnan said that he has filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and the DGP demanding action against the policemen in the incident.