BJP supporter allegedly molests woman in kitchen during Kerala local body poll campaign; now absconding

Thiruvananthapuram: A case has been registered after a BJP supporter allegedly molested a woman while accompanying a party candidate during a local body election campaign, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place on Friday in Edavilakom ward, when Raju, a resident of Mangalapuram, joined the BJP candidate for door-to-door campaigning.

What happened during the campaign?

Police said that after the candidate left the house, Raju reportedly stayed behind and asked the woman for drinking water.

When the woman went into the kitchen, Raju allegedly followed her and molested her. The woman raised an alarm, prompting nearby locals to rush to the scene. Raju then escaped through the back door, police added.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered for outraging the modesty of a woman and unlawful trespassing.

Raju is currently absconding, and police are making efforts to trace him.

BJP clarifies involvement

Local BJP leaders said Raju was not officially associated with the party and had accompanied the candidate only because he was familiar with the area.

Kerala’s local body elections are scheduled in two phases on December 9 and 11.