Popular Front activist held for attacking cops on hartal day, police intensifies action

KOLLAM: The police arrested an activist of Popular Front for attacking cops on the day hartal was observed. The activist identified as Shamnad of Koottikada was arrested late last night near Eravipuram railway gate. He fled to Tamil Nadu after the incident and was arrested as soon as he landed in his hometown.

He attacked the cops on the hartal day by knocking them down with his bike. He attacked the cops when the activists were unleashing violence in the place. One of the cops sustained serious injuries. Soon after the incident, he rang the city police commissioner and told him that he is innocent and that the cops attacked him. He had also sent an email. He fled when he came to know that the police were searching him.

The police had arrested more people in connection with the attacks that happened on the hartal day. 86 Popular Front activists were arrested for staging a march to the DySP office in Mananthavady. They were arrested for obstructing official duties and violent incidents. The arrested were remanded for 14 days. So far 308 cases have been registered in the state in connection with the attacks. Out of this 1287 people were arrested.

Meantime, the Kerala Police has intensified action against the Popular Front. Kannur ACP T K Ratnakumar conducted a two-hour long flash raid in many places simultaneously, which was one of the biggest operations the district has seen in recent times. The police raided the establishments owned by Popular Front workers and leaders for two hours last evening.