Thiruvananthapuram: Amid continuing tension in the state capital, ADGP (law & order) P Vijayan has ordered an inquiry into an audio recording in which Cantonment SI Gokul Gopan is allegedly heard threatening SFI district secretary M A Nandan. Thiruvananthapuram city police commissioner has been directed to examine the recording and take urgent action based on the findings.The audio surfaced after CPM announced marches to the residences of Cantonment SHO Satheesh Kumar and Gopan, demanding action against police officers over the alleged assault of SFI activists inside University College men’s hostel during the recent clashes.In the audio message, the SI is heard identifying himself and warning Nandan against organising a march to his residence. “If you march to my house, we will enter the party office. Do whatever you can. The arrest has been kept on hold only because the home minister said so. If you behave properly, we will behave properly. We know where you are,” the officer is heard allegedly saying.The authenticity of the recording and the circumstances in which it was made will be examined as part of the inquiry. The city police commissioner has been asked to conduct the probe and initiate immediate action, if warranted.The development comes amid escalating political tensions between Congress and CPM in Thiruvananthapuram following the clashes during a Youth Congress march near University Men’s Hostel last Wednesday night.CPM alleged that the police entered the hostel and assaulted students and demanded action against the officers involved. CPM leaders had met home minister Ramesh Chennithala and sought action against SHO Satheesh and SI Gopan, alleging that the police had subjected activists to severe assault.Meanwhile, cases have been registered against CPM district secretary V Joy and former minister Kadakampally Surendran over alleged threats against police personnel. The clash began during the Youth Congress march when power went off in the area and students at the hostel allegedly shouted slogans. Congress has alleged that SFI activists pelted stones at the marchers, while CPM has accused Youth Congress workers of throwing stones and burning torches towards the hostel.
