Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has strongly condemned the alleged police attack on Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil during a protest march at Perambra in Kerala’s Kozhikode. Tharoor described the incident as “unacceptable” and emphasized the fundamental democratic right of MPs, especially those in the opposition, to protest without fear or reprisal.
In a post on X, Tharoor stated, “The police attack on Shafi Parambil MP while he was leading a protest march is unacceptable. In a democracy, MPs, especially those in the opposition, must be free to dissent without fear or reprisal. Such actions violate legal protections and democratic norms. Strict action is imperative.”
He further added, “When MPs are targeted for leading protests or voicing dissent, it weakens the very foundation of democratic accountability. Police brutality against a legislator is therefore not merely an individual wrong but a direct attack on parliamentary democracy itself.” Tharoor also announced that the Congress party would refer the incident to the parliamentary privilege panel, reiterating that while MPs are not above the law, they are protected by law to ensure they can perform their constitutional duties without coercion or intimidation.
Following the violent clashes at Perambra, police registered a case against Vadakara MP and KPCC Working President Shafi Parambil, along with several others. The FIR reportedly names 692 individuals, including Kozhikode DCC President Adv. K Praveen Kumar, alleging that they attacked the police during the incident. Additionally, a separate case has been registered against LDF workers, listing 492 identified individuals, for unlawful assembly, blocking roads, and obstructing vehicular movement.
MP Shafi Parambil sustained a fractured nose during the police action and underwent emergency surgery at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Details of the FIR emerged shortly after his treatment concluded.
In response, the Congress has announced statewide protests on Saturday against what it has termed “police brutality” towards a sitting MP. Kozhikode DCC President Adv. Praveen Kumar told ANI that the UDF will organise a mass protest meeting at 3 PM in Perambra, which will be inaugurated by AICC General Secretary and MP KC Venugopal.
Tension further escalated in front of the Kozhikode Police Commissioner’s office, with UDF workers staging protests against the police and the Pinarayi Vijayan government, following violent clashes between UDF and CPM workers at Perambra. Protests continued late into the night across various parts of the state. Police reportedly faced resistance while dispersing demonstrators, as Congress activists blocked roads at multiple locations before eventually dispersing.
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