Clash in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation; 16 including mayor, deputy mayor sustain injuries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The mayor sustained injuries in the clash that broke out between the CPM and BJP councilors in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation over the oath-taking controversy. The CPM councilors were trying to stop mayor V V Rajesh from entering his office. The mayor and senior leader Vanchiyoor Babu fell on the ground in the scuffle that ensued as the former tried to enter the office. The mayor himself revealed that he sustained injuries on his leg.

The mayor clarified that he would not accept a protest using force. There was an unnecessary provocation from the side of the CPM councillors. People who came to meet the mayor since morning was stopped. BJP's women councillors were attacked. The mayor also said that he injured his leg.

16 councillors including mayor V V Rajesh and deputy mayor Ashanath, who suffered injuries in the clash, sought treatment in the hospital. The doctors directed the mayor to take an X-ray. Two CPM and BJP councillors were injured. CPM Kattaikonam councilor Sindhu Sasi and BJP Peroorkada councillor Deepa were injured. Sindhu suffered head injuries leading to four stitches. The police who tried to calm the situation were also attacked. A woman police officer was injured. Meantime, CPM parliamentary party leader in the corporation S P Deepak said the protest was a democratic one.