What Happened to Congress Kerala MP Shafi Parambil During Perambra Clash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shafi Parambil was assaulted by police during protests in Perambra.
- The incident has sparked widespread protests across Kerala.
- Congress leaders have accused the police of excessive force.
- Parambil underwent a three-hour surgical procedure for his injuries.
- Political tensions are escalating in the state.
Kozhikode (Kerala), Oct 11 (NationPress) New footage broadcasted on Saturday morning reveals Congress MP Shafi Parambil being assaulted by the Kerala Police during clashes in Perambra on Friday night. Parambil was reportedly attempting to calm down agitated UDF supporters.
As per Congress leaders, Parambil sustained injuries that necessitated a three-hour surgical procedure.
Earlier, police had rejected assertions made by Congress and UDF leaders, claiming that no baton charge was executed against Parambil. Meanwhile, leaders from the Left accused the MP of staging his injuries as a “publicity stunt,” alleging that the blood on his face was fabricated.
Nevertheless, the television footage distinctly shows Parambil being targeted and struck by police.
This incident incited widespread indignation. On Saturday, UDF and Congress supporters organized protests throughout Kerala. In Kochi, members of the Youth Congress demonstrated by pouring black oil on their shirts as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan passed through the main road.
AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, a close associate of Parambil, characterized the event as “three hours of chaos unleashed by the CPI-M and police.”
He cautioned police officials against acting under political pressure, stating, “What the police did was a violation of privilege. Parambil was injured and needed three hours of surgery.”
Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Mullapally Ramachandran, who visited Parambil at the hospital, claimed that the state government was attempting to distract from the contentious Sabarimala gold plating issue.
“The Vijayan government believes that by using police force against Congress leaders, they can cover up the issue. However, targeting our leaders will not erase the matter,” remarked Ramachandran.
Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan accused the CPI-M of being disturbed by Parambil’s rising popularity and intentionally trying to target him.
Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who met Parambil, stated that the entire police brutality was orchestrated by an officer, K.E. Baiju, warning that they would address the situation appropriately.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has pledged to persist with protests statewide in response to the violent clashes linked to the C.K.G. College union elections.
Friday night’s unrest escalated when police actions resulted in Parambil’s injuries, leading to demonstrations and confrontations with police at various locations.
In the meantime, police have filed cases against Parambil and several UDF workers.
Likewise, cases have also been initiated against CPI-M workers involved in the clashes.
This incident has ignited a political uproar in Kerala, with Congress warning that any attempts to misuse state machinery to suppress opposition will only escalate public demonstrations.
Venugopal is scheduled to arrive in Perambra on Saturday evening to address a protest rally.