SFI Leader’s Family Alleges Police Threat, Day After ADGP Orders Probe
SFI Leader's Nandan's mother, Ambily told reporters that some police officers came to the house on Sunday afternoon and threatened the family
Thiruvananthapuram: The family of SFI district secretary Nandan on Sunday alleged that police personnel visited their house at Pettah and threatened them, a day after ADGP P Vijayan ordered an inquiry into similar allegations against officers at the Cantonment police station.
The face-off between the SFI and the police began after a lathicharge at the Keralam University men's hostel on September 30, which followed a clash between Youth Congress and SFI activists.
SFI leaders, including Nandan, later met Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and lodged a complaint against Cantonment police station SI G Gokul and SHO Satheesh V B. The SFI then announced a protest march to the residences of both officers, after which Gokul allegedly threatened Nandan over the phone.
Nandan's mother, Ambily, told reporters that some police officers came to the house on Sunday afternoon and threatened the family.
"They were here for half an hour and threatened to arrest him. He has done nothing illegal. He represents a student organisation," she said.
Ambily alleged that policemen frequently loitered near the house, leaving the family unable to sleep even at night. She said the officers left after neighbours gathered when they saw them.
"Nandan could not even come to his residence fearing the police," she said.
At a press conference, Nandan said police officers arrived at his residence in two vehicles and were targeting him personally. He alleged that Kumar and Gokul were challenging SFI leaders through social media.
"This is happening the same day the Home minister announced that if there are any lapses on the part of the police, strict action will be taken," he said.
Nandan alleged that SFI activists were being specifically targeted.
"There are several police stations in Thiruvananthapuram and officers there have never behaved like this with us. From the actions of these two officers, we assume that they have received some specific directions from someone," he said.