THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Widespread clashes have erupted amid the state-wide protests launched by the Congress demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in the wake of the recent revelations by Swapna Suresh. The Congress launched marches to the secretariat in the capital and the collectorates in other districts. The police and activists clashed against each other in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Kochi and Kozhikode.

As the police halted the protests, stones were pelted in various places. Following which, the police fired water cannons at the protestors. In Kollam, the protests by RYF and the Congress were lathi-charged. One RYF activist and one police official have sustained injuries in the clash.

In Kannur, around 500 people staged protests and threw chappals at the police. The clash between the police and activists was intense in Kochi. The police lathi-charged the protesters for about 10 minutes, while the MLAs and DCC leaders stood watching.

In Kottayam, the activists pelted bottles and stones at the police. The police fired water cannons in response. The conflict erupted in the presence of leaders such as MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and former MLA K C Joseph. However, the protests were peaceful in Thrissur.

Meantime, protests and demonstrations by Yuva Morcha are taking place in Malappuram and Kollam. Although there was a possibility of clashes in Kollam, the protestors are currently seen chanting slogans.