Probe ordered into threat to SFI leader by SI in Keralam’s Thiruvananthapuram

The police have ordered an inquiry into the alleged threat issued by Cantonment Sub-Inspector Gokul to SFI Thiruvananthapuram district secretary Nandan over the phone, amid escalating tensions between the CPI(M)-SFI and the police in the capital.

The inquiry was reportedly ordered by ADGP (Law and Order) P. Vijayan after an audio clip of a purported conversation between Mr. Gokul and Mr. Nandan surfaced on Saturday. The ADGP directed the City Police Commissioner to conduct an inquiry and submit a report, besides seeking an explanation from the SI.

Mr. Nandan had alleged that Mr. Gokul called him on Saturday morning and threatened to nab him from the CPI(M) party office if the SFI proceeded with its proposed march to the SI’s residence. In the audio clip released by the SFI, a voice purportedly belonging to Mr. Gokul is heard telling Mr. Nandan that he would come to the party office and book him if the student organisation went ahead with the march.

Mr. Nandan told the media that it was the police who attacked students without provocation during the clash at the University Men’s Hostel on Wednesday night. Following the incident, SFI leaders met Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the DGP on Friday, raising concerns over the safety of students and seeking disciplinary action against Mr. Gokul and other police personnel. The SFI subsequently announced the march to the SI’s residence for Saturday evening.

The latest allegation comes a day after CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district secretary and MLA V. Joy made remarks against Mr. Gokul during a party march to the Secretariat. Tensions between the CPI(M)-SFI and the police had intensified following the confrontation at the University Men’s Hostel on Wednesday night.