Oommen Chandy hurt as LDF workers pelt stones

KANNUR: The ongoing campaign by CPI(M)- led LDF over solar panel scam turned violent this evening as protesters pelted stones at Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who suffered minor injuries on his forehead.

The incident occurred when the Chief Minister was approaching police grounds here to attend a function.

The protesters, who sneaked into the venue despite heavy security, stoned Chandy's car shattering its glass pane, splinters of which hit his forehead slightly above right eye.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from Congress and its allies, whose leaders said the attack betrayed "undemocratic approach" of CPI(M) and was not acceptable.

However, an unruffled Chandy attended the valedictory of the Kerala police athletic meet for which he had come to this politically volatile north Kerala town.

Chandy was later checked up by doctors who said the injury was not serious, the Chief Minister's spokesperson said.

Deploring the incident, Home Minister Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan asked Director General of Police K S Balasubramanian, who was present at the venue, to furnish a report on the incident.

Over the last few months, LDF has been staging protests wherever Chandy tours as part of its campaign demanding his resignation over the solar panel scam.

Security had been tightened here in view of Chandy's engagement with police being deployed in large contingents on all roads leading to the police grounds.

Police said a group of LDF workers, however, sneaked through some narrow lane to gain entry into the venue of the Chief Minister. Two LDF workers had been taken into custody from the spot.

KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the attack on Chandy was carried out with the knowledge of the LDF leadership. "The CPI(M) leaders could not absolve themselves of what has happened in Kannur," Chennithala told reporters.

LDF has been pressing for Chandy's resignation in the backdrop of solar panel scam which pertains to financial cheating of several people by promoters of a private firm offering them solar energy solutions.

LDF has been alleging that the fraudsters had the support of Chandy and his office. Though the government had ordered a judicial probe, LDF refused to give up their demand.