Grant police protection to Kunhikrishnan, directs HC

The Kerala High Court has directed granting of police protection to V. Kunhikrishnan, whistleblower and expelled leader of the CPI(M), after he cited threat to the ‘life, properties and personal liberty’ of his family and friends.

He had earlier this month alleged irregularities regarding the handling of the party’s ‘martyr fund’ in Payyannur, following which he was expelled from the party’s primary membership.

In his petition before the High Court, Mr. Kunhikrishnan submitted that he has announced the release of his book named Nethruthwathe Anigal Thiruthanam (Followers should correct the leadership) at a public event on the evening of February 4 at Gandhi Park in Payyannur town. It narrates his experiences in political and public life, and also refers to complaints of mismanagement and irregularities in funds sourced by the party, when a particular leader was in its local leadership.

‘Hate campaign’

After announcing the book release, there were series of incidents in Payyannur, affecting the law and order situation in the region. In addition, a march with threatening slogans was staged in front of his house and fire crackers were thrown, while the motorcycle of a supporter was destroyed in a fire. Above all, a hate campaign has begun on social media, to intimidate him and his family, he added.