The Kerala police have arrested four individuals in connection with the alleged assault and abduction of a woman councillor of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in the Koothattukulam municipality of Ernakulam district. The accused, identified as Arun V Mohan, Tony Baby, Rins Varghese, and Sajith Abraham, are reportedly CPI(M) activists.
Councillor Kala Raju was abducted on January 18, just minutes before a crucial no-confidence motion against the municipality’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). The incident occurred around 10 am, when Kala arrived at the municipal office. According to reports, she had recently hinted at shifting allegiance to the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF). She was reportedly forced into the municipality chairperson's official vehicle and later dropped off at her home that same day.
In addition to the four arrests, the police have charged 41 identifiable individuals based on a complaint filed by Kala’s children.
The municipality is currently governed by the LDF, which holds 13 seats. The LDF was facing a no-confidence motion moved by the UDF, which holds 11 seats and is supported by an Independent member. The incident appears to have been an attempt to prevent the motion from proceeding.
Later, speaking to the media, Kala said that party members had tried to pressure her into not supporting the no-confidence motion.