Clash at waste treatment factory in Kerala: Investigation sought to uncover suspected conspiracy elements

The district committee of Karshaka Congress has submitted a petition to the Chief Minister and the State Police Chief seeking a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that triggered the violent clash between police and local residents during a recent protest against the Ambayathode-based slaughterhouse waste treatment factory.

The petition moved by Karshaka Congress District president Biju Kannanthara accused Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Yathish Chandra and his team of hatching a conspiracy with the factory management to suppress the local agitation. He also sought a thorough investigation into the alleged telephone conversations and meetings between the senior police officer and the company management.

The Karshaka Congress leader claimed that the protest was suppressed by slapping grave cases against local action committee members following a conspiracy. He alleged that the vehicles on the premises of the company were set afire in a suspicious circumstance and it took place when the protesters were running for cover following police action.

Justifying the motive of the local agitation citing pollution threats, Mr. Kannanthara claimed that the clash broke out in the area when the police forcibly tried to permit the waste-laden trucks to the plant on October 21. There were also attempts on the part of the police to use grenades and provoke the protesters, he complained.

Meanwhile, some of the senior police officers who initiated a probe under the DIG said there were “hidden attempts” from various quarters to find fault with the police action and save the prime suspects who spearheaded violence in the area. They also refused to comment on the latest petition by the Karshsaka Congress leader which levelled grave allegations against the DIG.