Nat'nl SC panel asks police to register case against Mayor

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) today directed the state police to register a case against city corporation Mayor V K Prasanth in connection with the recent clash between ruling CPI(M) and BJP councillors at the Corporation complex here.
The Commission vice-chairperson L Murugan asked city police commissioner P Prakash to register the case under various sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, based on the complaint of BJP councillor Lakshmi.
Representing Valiyasala ward in the Corporation,the woman councillor alleged that she was beaten up and insulted by calling her caste name during the clash on November 18.

Besides the Mayor, a case should be registered against his personal assistant Jin Raj and CPI(M) councillor I P Binu, the Commission said.
Murugan visited Lakshmi, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, and recorded her statement today.
He also asked the Commissioner to submit within two days the treatment documents of the Mayor, who has been admitted to the government medical college here, and details of the action taken against him and the other two in connection with the scuffle.

The District Collector, police commissioner and various other government officials concerned were summoned by the Commission before giving directions in this regard.

Prashant and four councillors of the ruling CPI(M) and BJP were injured when they clashed during a discussion on installing high mast lights in the city.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had alleged that the attack on the Mayor was "well-planned" and led by RSS activists.