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Congress MLA, Party Workers Clash Over Social Media Dispute
A disagreement started after someone questioned why the MLA’s personal assistant attended a local meeting.
The question was shared through WhatsApp and social media.
The MLA and some supporters confronted local party workers about the post.
A physical fight then happened, and video of it spread widely.
The MLA said she was attacked and threatened.
The other group said the MLA and an associate entered a private home and intimidated a minor girl.
Police filed cases based on complaints from both sides.
Congress has appointed a committee to investigate what happened.
A physical confrontation broke out between Congress MLA Ramya Haridas and local party workers in Chirayinkeezhu.
The dispute began over a WhatsApp message and social media post about her personal assistant’s attendance at a block panchayat meeting.
Haridas alleged that local leaders manhandled, threatened and kicked her; the opposing side alleged trespass and intimidation of a minor girl.
Kerala Police registered separate FIRs against both factions, including a case against 15 Congress workers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee appointed a three-member committee led by M.M. Hassan to investigate and recommend disciplinary action.
- Who
- Congress MLA Ramya Haridas, local Congress workers, district panchayat member Sajith Muttambalam, party leader Sajad, Kerala Police and the KPCC inquiry committee.
- What
- A physical clash led to separate police cases against the MLA’s side and local party workers, followed by an internal Congress investigation.
- Where
- Chirayinkeezhu, Kerala, including the Chirayinkeezhu Taluk Hospital and an alleged private residence.
- When
- The confrontation occurred after a block panchayat committee meeting; no specific date is stated.
- Why
- The dispute began over WhatsApp and social media messages questioning the attendance of the MLA’s personal assistant at a block panchayat meeting.
MLA’s account
Local workers’ account
What happened during the confrontation
MLA’s account
Ramya Haridas alleged that local leaders manhandled, threatened and kicked her.
Local workers’ account
Sajith Muttambalam and Sajad alleged that Haridas and her associate entered a private residence and intimidated a minor girl.
Police cases
MLA’s account
The MLA’s complaint resulted in a case against 15 Congress workers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Local workers’ account
A counter-case was registered against Haridas and her associate after a complaint by party worker Sajad.
Cause of the dispute
MLA’s account
The MLA and her associates confronted activists over a social media post concerning her personal assistant’s attendance at a block panchayat meeting.
Local workers’ account
Local workers’ accounts center on the alleged confrontation at the private residence following the dispute over the digital message.
Key facts
- Main figures
- Congress MLA Ramya Haridas and local party workers were involved in the confrontation.
- Police action
- Kerala Police registered two separate FIRs based on complaints from both sides.
- Case against workers
- A case was filed against 15 Congress workers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Initial dispute
- A social media post questioned the attendance of personal assistant Palayam Pradeep at a block panchayat committee meeting.
- MLA’s allegation
- Ramya Haridas said she was manhandled, threatened and kicked, and sought treatment at Chirayinkeezhu Taluk Hospital.
- Counter-allegation
- Sajith Muttambalam and Sajad alleged that Haridas and an associate trespassed into a private residence and intimidated a minor girl.
- Internal inquiry
- The KPCC committee is led by M.M. Hassan and includes Ramani P. Nair and Neyyattinkara Sanal.
Sources
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