T’puram: Museum police on Tuesday registered a criminal case against four BJP councillors, in connection with the violent scuffle that erupted during the corporation council meeting on Monday, taking the number of FIRs registered over political clashes inside the civic body to three within a week.The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Palayam UDF councillor Sherly S, supported by other UDF women councillors. According to the FIR, BJP’s Mannanthala councillor Chembazhanthy Udayan has been named the first accused. The other accused are Kamaleswaram councillor Giri V, Poonkulam councillor Vayalakkara Ratheesh and Melamcode councillor Pappanamcode Saji. They have been booked under various BNS sections.According to FIR, the violence broke out around 3pm when UDF councillors attempted to sign the attendance register before the council proceedings. The complaint alleges that Udayan snatched the register from Congress councillors, triggering a confrontation that quickly escalated into a physical clash inside the council hall. The FIR further alleges that Udayan slapped Sherly, UDF councillor Anitha S and other councillors, besides striking Sherly on the back of her neck, causing injuries. The remaining accused are also alleged to have assaulted Sherly and other UDF members, requiring medical treatment.BJP has rejected the allegations and filed a counter complaint, accusing UDF councillors of provoking the violence. Police said statements of those involved have been recorded and further investigation is under way.The confrontation unfolded against the backdrop of a prolonged political dispute over the attendance of BJP councillor R Sugathan, who is in judicial custody under Kaapa.The latest FIR follows two other criminal cases registered after last week’s clash outside mayor V V Rajesh’s chamber, in which separate complaints were filed by BJP and LDF councillors. Several councillors, including the Mayor, sustained minor injuries in that incident.
