KOTTAYAM: The Kottayam District Police Chief's report recommending the construction of an anti-terrorism squad office in Erattupetta due to the presence of significant terrorist activity in the region has sparked controversy. Although SDPI leaders, MLA Sebastian Kulathunkal and CPM local leaders have demanded action against SP K Karthik, the SP is standing firm on his stand.

The DGP had sought a detailed report from the SP after receiving a request from the Revenue Department to release three acres of land owned by the police in Poonjar for the construction of a mini-civil station. Following this, the local police informed that the region is a sensitive area. Based on this information, the SP submitted a report to the DGP stating that an office of the Anti-Terrorism Squad was suitable in the region.

Later, the SDPI, under the leadership of district treasurer Harif, filed a complaint to the MLA demanding action against SP. CPM Poonjar Area Secretary Kuriakos Joseph also came forward against the report. With this, some reports are claiming that the government may soon take action against SP Karthik.

Observations made by central agencies

Erattupetta was also included in the report released by the NIA regarding the villages and towns with terrorist presence in Kerala. The report also mentioned that most of the problematic booths in the Kottayam district are in Erattupetta. The central agencies had stepped up surveillance in places, including Erattupetta, amidst reports that terror sleeper cells have intensified their activities in Kerala. Recently, many people, including the councillor of Erattupetta Municipality, were taken into custody by the NIA in a raid conducted as part of intensifying action against Popular Front leaders.