THRISSUR: A video has emerged showing a DYFI leader offering money to persuade the withdrawal of a complaint against a quarry operation. The money was offered to N V Vysakhan who was previously removed from the position of DYFI District Secretary due to a complaint by a female leader.

The complaint pertained to environmental issues caused by a quarry in Vellikulangara. Vysakhan called Ajith Kodakara, a public servant who had filed complaints against the quarry owner both with the police and in court and inquired about the amount needed to resolve the matter. It is alleged that the quarry owner could pay this money to have the complaint withdrawn. When the complainant asked how Vysakhan got involved in this case he claimed they were close. In the video, Vysakhan mentions adding an extra lakh for himself also. When the complainant insisted that this wasn't about money and that the quarry's illegal activities should be stopped, Vysakhan questioned why harm should be done. He also pressed for the withdrawal of the complaint filed in the vigilance court.

The 2.26-minute video recorded on a mobile phone has gone viral on social media. Vysakhan had previously been demoted from his position after being accused of disrespecting a female leader. He was a member of the CPM Kodakara area committee and was demoted to the branch committee. Vysakhan who was leading a foot march as part of the Freedom Street program at block centers on August 15 was removed from his position the day before the march.

Vysakhan has explained his involvement as that of a lawyer and mediator. He also called for an investigation into the background of those making allegations against him. Ajith Kodakara claims that the video was recorded a year ago when Vysakhan was on party duties. It was not copied for publication. Kodakara police had confiscated his phone a year ago in connection with a case and he has not received it back yet. The video from that phone was released by the police.