Kerala Police begin probe into assembly ruckus

Kerala Police on Sunday inspected the assembly floor to collect evidence -- including video recording -- of the vandalism wreaked in the house during Friday's ruckus and damage to the speaker's podium which officials estimate to be around Rs.5 lakh.

On Saturday, the secretary of the Kerala Legislature submitted a written complaint to the director general of police (DGP) about the ruckus in the house on Friday that led to large-scale destruction of property.

Angry Left legislators, demanding that Finance Minister K.M. Mani, accused in a case of alleged bribery, resign his post and not be allowed to present the state budget, went berserk when the minister began presenting the state budget for 2015-16.

Ugly scenes were witnessed as the Left opposition members threw away the speaker's chair, and severely damaged electronic equipment -- computer, keyboard and mikes -- on the desk of the presiding officer.

The DGP asked the Thiruvananthapuram city police commissioner to probe the case, who handed it to the assistant commissioner of police (Museum).

On Sunday, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told reporters that the police will do their job.

Meanwhile, the Left opposition has submitted a written complaint to Speaker N. Sakthan accusing a few treasury bench legislators of verbally and physically abusing six women legislators belonging to the Left opposition.

On Saturday, Governor P. Sathasivam expressed deep anguish over the events that unfolded on the floor of the assembly and sought action against the unruly behaviour of the legislators.

The Left observed a state-wide shut down on Saturday protesting the alleged rough treatment meted out to their legislators by the security staff, while the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front is observing Sunday as a black day by wearing black badges and organizing protest meetings.

The assembly will resume its sitting on Monday.