THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the end of the first phase of the Officers' Association strike and discussions with the Electricity Minister, the controversy surrounding the strike in KSEB is yet to come to an end.

KSEB management has initiated action against 20 association leaders for trespassing into the boardroom during the strike. Notice will be issued to all from tomorrow. The officers will be asked to inform within two weeks if there is a reason to not take action against them. Kurian Sebastian, the executive engineer of Kottayam Pala Circle who participated in the strike, retired on March 31. The notice also stated that his pension will be suspended.

It was alleged that the protesters had broken into the boardroom and disrupted the chairman's meeting. They were also accused of shouting slogans and shouting insults when department heads and directors spoke. Twenty people have been identified. Among these, Association president MG Suresh Kumar and general secretary B Harikumar were earlier suspended. Although their suspension was later lifted, the two were transferred to Perinthalmanna and Palakkad. They are yet to report for duty at their new offices. The two are adamant that their transfer orders should be withdrawn. Though Suresh Kumar raised the issue in the discussion, Minister K Krishnankutty did not give any assurance. The minister only said that the punishment should be ensured for wrongdoing and that the government could not issue an order as the KSEB was a company and the chairman would take action based on law, rules and regulations.

The strike in KSEB started after association leader Jasmine Banu was suspended for keeping away from work without officially taking leave.