Fund diversion row, protests and now book launch: Why Kerala HC acted to protect ousted CPM leader?

Kannur: The Kerala High Court has directed the police to provide protection to V. Kunjikrishnan, a former member of the Kannur district committee of CPM that leads the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, amid mounting tension in Payyannur over his allegations of fund diversion by party leaders.

Kunjikrishnan was expelled from the CPM after accusing leaders of irregularities in the handling of the party’s martyrs’ fund, an issue that has since triggered political unrest in the region.

Protection ordered ahead of book launch

The court’s directive comes ahead of the release of Kunjikrishnan’s book, ‘Nethruthwathte Anikal Thiruthanam’, which roughly translates as “party workers should correct the leadership”. The book reportedly details alleged fund embezzlement and other organisational irregularities involving CPM leaders.

The High Court instructed the District Police Chief and the Payyannur Station House Officer to ensure Kunjikrishnan’s safety, including during the book launch scheduled for February 4 at Gandhi Park, Payyannur.

Claims of threats and worsening law and order

In his petition, Kunjikrishnan said he faced threats to his life and property, and claimed that law and order in Payyannur had deteriorated following the announcement of the book launch. He named several CPM leaders in the plea, alleging they wield influence over police arrangements and had deployed anti-social elements outside his residence to intimidate him and his family.

The petition was filed amid heightened political tension in Payyannur, where posters backing Kunjikrishnan appeared after his allegations and protests over the fund controversy escalated into clashes.

Protection to remain until petition is decided

The High Court ordered that police protection must continue until a final decision is taken on the petition. Notices have been issued to local leaders, including Payyannur MLA and CPM leader T. I. Madhusoodanan.

Earlier clashes between CPM workers and protest marches organised by the Congress and the BJP had left several people injured, following which Payyannur police registered multiple cases against around 200 people from all three parties.