'Resigning from CPM'; DYFI members beat up CPM branch secretary in Nava Kerala Sadas

KOCHI: It is alleged that a CPM worker was beaten black and blue by some DYFI workers in the ‘Nava Kerala Sadas’ held on Friday. Thammanam native Rayeez, who is also the branch secretary of CPM, was assaulted by DYFI cadres on Friday. Rayeez said he would complain to the party about the incident.

The incident took place on Marine Drive on Friday night when the Nava Kerala Sadas of Ernakulam constituency was being held. DYFI workers detained and thrashed two workers of the Democratic Students Association (DSA) for allegedly distributing protest pamphlets near the venue.

According to Rayeez, the police intervened in the issue and stopped the DYFI workers from assaulting the DSA cadres. However, the DYFI workers followed back and started thrashing the workers, but this time Rayeez who was in the midst also received thrashing and was tortured by the workers. It is reported that DYFI workers mistook Rayeez for some other.

DSA activists Hanif and Rijas are undergoing treatment in a hospital in Kochi. The police have registered a case against both of them for protesting in the Navakerala Sadas. Meanwhile, Rayeez was also admitted to a hospital with minor injuries.

"I was taken into custody by the police and was bailed by the branch secretary. I joined the party just one year ago but have now decided to resign from it since I don't want to get beaten up again” Rayeez said.