Protest March in Kerala Turns Violent as Police Clash with Youth Congress

A protest march by the Youth Congress in Kerala demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan turned violent. Police used water cannons and lathi-charged the protestors. Several activists, including state vice-president Abin Varkey, were injured. The Congress has called for statewide protests and demands action against the cops involved.

A protest march organized by the Youth Congress in Kerala demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan erupted into violence as police forces intervened forcefully using water cannons and lathis.

Among those injured was Youth Congress state vice-president Abin Varkey, who was seen on TV visuals bleeding from his head but refused to leave the site for medical attention, demanding instead disciplinary action against the officer involved.

Angered Youth Congress members were eventually calmed by senior Congress leaders, including KPCC chief K Sudhakaran, who promised to hold the responsible police officers accountable. Varkey was later admitted to a hospital. In response to the violent episode, the Congress has announced statewide protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)