Government and opposition exchange accusations in Kalamassery ganja case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After students were caught with ganja in the Kalamassery Polytechnic hostel, leaders blamed each other on student organisations.

While the arrest of SFI College Union General Secretary Abhiraj in the case gave strength to the opposition's allegations, SFI is raising the argument that Akash, Shalik, and Ashiq, who were arrested yesterday, are former KSU members. Abhiraj was expelled by SFI yesterday.

Ministers Muhammad Riyas and M.B. Rajesh had alleged that the opposition's move was to destroy SFI on the grounds of drug involvement. The allegation was that the opposition's target was SFI, not drugs.

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan confronted this with a question as to why the opposition could not raise the issue even if SFI leaders were caught with ganja. Ramesh Chennithala said that the main reason for the spread of drugs is the people in SFI and that SFI should be dissolved.

SFI State Secretary PS Sanjeev said that the arrested Akash, Shalik, and Ashiq are active KSU workers, and there is a photo of a KSU meeting where they are all together. SFI former State Secretary PM Arsho responded that Shalik, who brought ganja to the campus, is a KSU leader, and if they have dignity and respect, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala should stop their depraved work.

"A united movement is needed against drugs. A move is being made to eliminate SFI according to the political interests of some."

-Minister Muhammad Riyaz

"The incidents that took place in Pookode and Kottayam are a continuation of this. Drug mafias have political patronage. That is why the opposition will politicise it."

-V.D. Satheesan, Opposition leader

"Drug mafia is widespread in Kerala because of political patronage. Even after ruling for nine years, the Chief Minister has not been able to eradicate drug addiction."

-Ramesh Chennithala

"All three people in jail are KSU leaders. There are pictures of goon leader Maradu Aneesh with Thrissur district president Gokul Suresh."

-P.S. Sanjeev, SFI State Secretary