Police Officer Attempts to Disrupt DYFI's World Cup Solidarity Rally in Haripad

Alappuzha: DYFI has accused Haripad police of attempting to disrupt a publicity rally organised by its Haripad Block Committee in solidarity with the FIFA World Cup.

Haripad Sub-Inspector Babuji tried to seize the campaign vehicle and loud speaker used in the procession and take them to the police station. However, the attempt was reportedly thwarted after DYFI activists staged a protest at the spot.

The police stopped the rally by parking a police jeep across the road and claimed that the loudspeaker being used did not have the required permission. Officer then attempted to confiscate the sound system and the vehicle.

DYFI leaders asked the officer, who was not in uniform at the time, to register a case if any legal violation had occurred. The officer left the scene after realising that workers were recording the incident on their mobile phones.

The same officer had refused permission for a loudspeaker during a protest organised by the CPI(M) at Kacheri Junction two days earlier against the hike in petroleum product prices.

Condemning the incident, the DYFI Haripad Block Committee accused the police of acting in a partisan manner and attempting to suppress democratic activities.

DYFI Alappuzha District President S. Suresh Kumar and Haripad Block President Adv. Sreejesh Bonsle criticised the police action and called on State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to intervene. They stated that certain police officials were displaying excessive political loyalty and urged the government to put an end to an "undeclared emergency" in the state.