'SDPI, League spewing 'Hindu-Muslim' rhetoric in Palathayi'; Controversy over CPM leader's remark

KANNUR: The remarks made by a CPM leader in the Palathayi POCSO case sparked controversy. Former BJP leader and teacher K Padmarajan was convicted in the case.

"The sole thinking of the SDPI and the League is that the perpetrator is a Hindu and the victim is a Muslim. This is communalism," said CPM Kannur District Secretariat Member P. Hareendran.

Hareendran said that heinous efforts were made by League and SDPI to divert the case against CPM rather than provide help for the victim. Muslim League Kannur District President Abdul Kareem Cheleri came forward against the remark. Cheleri condemned the motive behind bringing religion into such a sensational case that rocked Kerala. Meanwhile, Hindu Aikya Vedi State President R.V. Babu and former president K.P. Sasikala supported Hareendran.

After the court verdict in the case, SDPI had criticised CPM’s role in the whole affair. This was followed by Hareendran’s controversial remarks.