Youth Congress activists charged with attempt to murder for protests in CM's flight

Thiruvananthapuram: Youth Congress workers who staged a protest inside the plane in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, were charged under IPC Section 307 for attempt to murder. At the same time, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will investigate the unfortunate incident.  

On Monday evening, two Youth Congress Mattannur Mandalam President Farsin Majeed (28) and Kannur district secretary R K Naveenkumar (34), raised slogans against the Chief Minister aboard aircraft in which he travelled to Thiruvananthapuram from Kannur. There was also another person accompanying them. Valiyathura police have registered a case of attempted murder, obstructing a public servant, criminal conspiracy and aggravated assault that threatens the safety of an aircraft. Meantime, the Indigo Airlines is yet to file a complaint against the accused. 

A video clip of the incident released on social media by former MLA K S Sabarinathan showed the two being forcefully pushed by a person accompanying the Chief Minister and the duo questioning whether they do not have a right to question.

Later, Sabarinathan said that LDF convener E P Jayarajan pushed the protesting Youth Congress workers.

While the actions of the Youth Congress workers were termed as "condemnable" and a "terror act" by Pinarayi Vijayan and E P Jayarajan, the incident led to attacks against some Congress offices, including State headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly by workers of CPI(M) and its youth wing DYFI. 

Statue vandalised

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi placed in the Payyanur Congress office was beheaded by attackers. Further, the wife's house of KPCC president K Sudhakarakan was also attacked. Meanwhile, the state police chief directed the police officials to increase security measures. 

Case booked

Meanwhile, a case was charged against T Siddhique MLA for conducting protest march in Kalpetta without prior permission.