Youth Congress march turns violent, vice president Abin Varkey sustains head injury; six activists, three policemen injured

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Secretariat march organised by the Youth Congress demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the wake of PV Anvar MLA's revelation turned violent as the activists clashed with the police. Police used water cannons multiple times to disperse the activists who attempted to break through the barricades. Police resorted to lathi charge against those who refused to disperse. They kicked and beat the activists who fell to the ground. Youth Congress state vice-president Abin Varkey was hit on the head. Despite being injured, he refused to back down and continued protesting on the road.

Abin Varkey went ahead with the protest demanding action against SI Jiju, who attacked him. Despite KPCC General Secretary M Liju's attempts to calm the situation, the protesters refused to budge. Following this, KPCC President K Sudhakaran intervened and persuaded Abin Varkey to go to the hospital.

District President Nemom Shajeer's eye was injured in the water cannon attack. Four other activists were also injured. SHO Contonment Prajish Sasi, Sub Inspector Jiju Kumar, and a woman police officer were among those injured in the clash.

Youth Congress leaders claimed that PV Anwar had mocked their activists on social media hours before the protest began. They also alleged that the police attacked the activists as per the instructions of DYFI and CPM leaders.

The march was inaugurated by UDF Convener MM Hassan. Hassan said that the Chief Minister has become the leader of underworld gangs. Youth Congress State President Rahul Mangoth presided over the event.