Clashes erupt in Kerala during protests against Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Protests erupted statewide demanding the resignation of health minister Veena George, alleging lapse and inefficiency over the building collapse incident in Kottayam MCH that took the life of a bystander. Opposition organizations marched to the DMO office in all districts. The BJP held a protest march to the minister's house in Pathanamthitta. Police had to use brute force to subdue protestors in some places.

Tensions also erupted during the Youth Congress protest at the minister's official residence in the capital. Police used water cannons on activists who tried to break down the barricade. After being lathi-charged, the activists jumped over the wall. Police are still looking for ways to bring tensions down in the area. Despite repeated use of water cannons, the activists did not disperse.

Clash erupted during the Congress march towards Sasthamcotta Taluk Hospital leaving the block president and many others injured.

The police used water cannons when the activists tried to break the barricade and jump into the office. Several Youth Congress activists and leaders were arrested. The activists blocked the Kannur-Taliparamba National Highway. Prajeesh, the Youth Congress president of Taliparamba Mandal, sustained a head injury in the clash.