Peermade (Idukki, Kerala): Heated exchanges broke out at the Idukki District Police Association conference on Tuesday after a debate over an assault on a Thiruvananthapuram police officer by SFI activists — the student wing of the ruling CPM — sparked confrontation among delegates. The incident occurred during the representative meeting following the inauguration, attended by District Police Chief K.M. Sabu Mathew.

Officer highlights assault during session

Each delegate was allotted two minutes to speak. Civil Police Officer Tijo Thomas from A.R. Camp, Idukki, used his slot to raise routine grievances, including restrictions on WhatsApp group discussions. As he spoke, members on the presidium initially tried to stop him, indicating his time was up. Tijo pressed on, declaring he would speak openly:

"Last day in Thiruvananthapuram, a police officer who was walking along with his sister was brutally assaulted by SFI members. Another officer must ensure such situations do not recur, and a motion should be passed against SFI in this conference," he said.

Delegates from the ruling party-affiliated association and presidium members again attempted to halt him. When some tried approaching the stage, presidium members intervened. Supporters of Tijo engaged in verbal exchanges with opponents, yet he continued his speech despite repeated interruptions.

Walkout and contrasting views

The session ended amid tensions. State association president E.G. Abhijith’s reply speech went unheard by a group of 15 delegates, who walked out in protest. Members of the ruling party-affiliated association later defended their actions, stating that Tijo was stopped for exceeding his allotted time. They denied that the discussion on the CPM-linked SFI assault was the cause of the verbal clash.