Secret talks held between BJP and CPM to settle hack case in Alappuzha, to pay  Rs 1.5 lakh compensation

ALAPPUZHA: The local leaders of both the parties held secret talks to settle the case of hacking a BJP worker by CPM workers. It is reported that a decision has been taken to pay Rs 1.5 lakh as compensation to the victim from the party fund.

The trial of the case in which four persons including a member of the CPM Mullakkal local committee arraigned, was supposed to be held last week. However, as there was no 'settlement', a leave application was filed by the plaintiff. It is reported that three people including the secretary of the local committee partook in the discussion. It was agreed to pay Rs 50,000 in advance and the balance to be paid when the case is withdrawn. The compromise move was done without the knowledge of the CPM district and area leaders. The BJP leadership was also unaware of this. After the news surfaced, the district leaders of both the parties started an investigation.

Several clashes broke out between the CPM and BJP activists in Vilanjoor in January 2019. In the meantime, the BJP worker was stabbed and his finger was severed. The information about the secret talks came out due to the recent reorganization of the local committees under the limits of the Alappuzha Area Committee. Many in the local leadership are opposing paying compensation from the party fund.