Police use water cannons to disperse DYFI protest march to Kerala CM VD Satheesan's residence

Kochi: Police used multiple rounds of water cannon to disperse a protest march by DYFI workers towards Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan's residence at North Paravur near here on Friday over the recent arrest of Youth Congress workers with MDMA, officials said.

Recently, two Youth Congress workers from Ernakulam district were arrested with MDMA in Kasaragod.

Satheesan had said at a press conference that he knew both persons, but he was unaware of their alleged involvement in drug peddling.


Alleging that the Chief Minister was aiding drug peddlers, the DYFI, a youth organisation associated with the CPI(M), took out a protest march from North Paravur town towards Satheesan's residence.

Police blocked the march with barricades installed near the Chief Minister's house, officials said.

When protesters attempted to climb over the barricades, police used water cannon.

After multiple rounds of water cannon, the protesters withdrew from the spot, police said.

DYFI state president V Vaseef, who attended the protest march, alleged that Satheesan was aiding drug peddlers.

"What we witnessed was Satheesan extending support to these drug mafia gangs. Two Youth Congress workers were arrested with MDMA. Photos and videos featuring them surfaced online," he alleged.

He alleged that the arrested Youth Congress workers were part of Satheesan's social media team.

Vaseef also criticised Satheesan over his response to the state government's disaster management activities following landslides and floods reported across Kerala on August 1.

"We saw him enjoying lavish food in Malappuram. We don't object to anyone eating food. But while people were struggling, celebrating eating food by posting reels on social media lacks basic propriety," he said.