Derogatory remarks against CPM MLA: Twenty20 chief coordinator Sabu slapped with riot charge

Kochi: A case has been registered against industrialist-turned-politician Sabu M Jacob for allegedly making derogatory remarks against a CPM MLA during his party function recently, police said here on Thursday.

The case was registered by the police in Puthencruz under Indian Penal Code Section 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot—if rioting be committed—if not committed) based on a complaint lodged by P V Sreenijin MLA, the police said.

Jacob serves as the chief coordinator of Twenty20, a political party founded by him.

Police said that in his complaint, the Kunnathunad MLA alleged that Jacob made the remarks while addressing the Twenty20 meeting at nearby Kolencherry on January 21.

Twenty20 was initially established as a charity outfit by the industrialist, but it later evolved into a political party, winning four grama panchayats in the panchayat polls held in 2020.

Reacting sharply, Twenty20 accused the ruling CPM of "slaughtering democracy" in Kerala.

Terming it a false case, the outfit criticised the government, saying it was abusing police and legal systems.

"In a democracy, every citizen has the freedom to criticise the government. The cases filed against Jacob are a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution of this country. This is an abuse of the legal system and the police system," it said in a statement. PTI