Former proofreader of Kerala Kaumudi M Radhakrishnan, accused in more than one case of harassing women, is contesting the upcoming local body elections in Kerala this December. Opening a sizable office in Pattoor with large flexes placed on the roadside, Radhakrishnan announced that he is contesting from the Kannammoola ward, which comes under the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, as an independent candidate. It is not clear if he is supported by any of the major political parties.
Six years ago, in November 2019, Radhakrishnan had allegedly barged into the house of a woman journalist with a gang of men, harassed her and a family friend who was visiting, while also locking up and traumatising her little children. He was later arrested and subsequently dismissed from Kerala Kaumudi. Following protests by women journalists who took out a march towards the Press Club, Radhakrishnan was temporarily suspended from his post as secretary. However, he was later reinstated and went on to be elected as president of the Press Club multiple times in the years afterward. He still holds the position.
In early 2024, Radhakrishnan was accused in another case of harassing a young woman while she was riding her scooter in Thiruvananthapuram. The woman filed a complaint at the Cantonment Police Station, alleging that she was chased by the accused on a motorbike, who then verbally abused her and made lewd gestures.
