Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police have decided not to withdraw the non-bailable charge against Civil Police Officer Mithun Roy, who was allegedly assaulted by SFI activists.

The move came after CPM district secretary V Joy warned that the party would approach the court if the charge was dropped. For now, the police have opted not to proceed further in the case.

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Roy, a civil police officer attached to the armed reserve (AR) police camp, was attacked by SFI activists at a mall in the city last Saturday. Following this, in a bizarre move that drew criticism, Roy was also booked in a counter-case with non-bailable charges registered against him and his sister, even as bailable sections were invoked against the activists accused of attacking him.

Senior police officials had earlier considered withdrawing the case against Roy following strong protests within the force.

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However, the CPM district leadership has sharply criticised the officer, alleging that his conduct was “like that of a goon” and that such personnel should not remain in the police. The party also cautioned that any action seen as favourable to the officer, especially ahead of the Assembly elections, would weaken the organisation.

The friction between Roy and CPM workers reportedly began after a DYFI leader was detained during a vehicle inspection at Pettah. CPM district secretary V Joy had personally intervened in the subsequent dispute with the police. Both the police leadership and the party now appear keen to avoid further controversy for the time being.