Case against LDF MP for blocking minister's vehicle

IDUKKI (KERALA): Idukki MP Joice George and 25 others were today booked for allegedly blocking the vehicle of Kerala forest minister Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan during a visit to Mamalakkandam near Adimali, police said.

The case was registered on the basis of media reports about the incident which occurred yesterday, police said.

Radhakrishnan had gone to the spot to talk and settle the stir by local protesters against removal of side slabs on a culvert on a key road in the area by Forest Department, causing hardship to local residents, mostly tribals and settlers.

The agitation was led by George, who was elected to the Lok Sabha as an LDF-backed independent. As soon as the minister reached the spot, his car was blocked by protesters who allegedly heckled and jeered him.

Besides George, 25 unidentified persons had been listed as accused in the FIR lodged at the Adimali police station,police said.