The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala removed one of its leaders in Ernakulam, who is on the run after being accused in a case of threatening.
On October 27, the newly constituted anti-goonda squad of the Kochi City Police registered a case against CPI (M) Kalamassery area secretary Zakkir Hussain for allegedly threatening a businessman.
The communist leader who has been on the run ever since the case was registered, has been booked for various offences including kidnapping, confinement and threatening, under IPC Sections 323, 342, 363, 365, 506(1) and 120 (b).
A meeting of the CPI (M) Ernakulam district secretariat on Friday, decided to oust the leader pending enquiry following grave allegations against him.
However, he will reportedly continue as the sports council president.
The decision to remove Zakkir Hussain as the area secretary was taken in a meeting convened by state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. CPI (M) district secretariat member T.K. Mohanan will replace Zakir Hussain.
Saying that the party will not protect an accused, CPI (M) district secretary P Rajeev told journalists that the state secretariat will also conduct a parallel enquiry in the allegation and take necessary action if Zakkir Hussain is found guilty.
“The party will not interfere in the government’s inquiry and it is up to the government whether to remove him from the post of district sports council president,” P Rajeev added.
Meanwhile, Zakkir Hussain's bail plea was reserved by the Ernakulam principal sessions court on Friday. The court is set to reconsider the plea on Saturday.