The Kerala High Court on Friday ordered police protection for expelled CPM leader Kunhikrishnan V ahead of the release of his book “Nethruthwathe Anigal Thiruthanam” at function to be held in Payyannur on February 4.
A single bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas on Friday directed the District Police Chief, Kannur and the SHO, Payyanur to ensure that there is adequate protection to the expelled CPM leader ahead of the release of his book which is stated to be an exposé on irregularities and mismanagement of martyrs’ funds and other funds by some CPM leaders including Payyanur MLA Madhusoodhanan TI.
“In view of the above and considering the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner, the respondents 3 and 4 are directed to ensure that there shall not be any threat to the life of the petitioner, including for the event scheduled on 4.2.2026 at Gandhi Park, Payyanur in connection with the release of the book authored by the petitioner pending disposal of the writ petition,” the court said.
The order came in response to a petition moved by Kunhikrishnan seeking police protection citing threat to his life and property. In his petition, he stated that the release of the book is scheduled to be held at 5 pm on February 4 at Gandhi Park in Payyannur, Kannur. According to him, after the announcement of the release, there has been a series of law and order situations in Payyanur.
The petition also makes a case that there are threats to physically obstruct the release of the book and that the petitioner is apprehending physical attacks against himself and other participants of the event. He had made requests seeking police protection to the District Police Chief, Kannur and the Station House Office of Payyanur but the same was not considered.
The petition names several prominent party leaders who, he claims, have influence in the police force and who instigated “anti-social elements” to roam outside Kunhikrishnan’s house in an attempt to intimidate him and his family.
The court issued notices to CPM Kannur District Secretary KK Ragesh, Madhusoodanan MLA and Payyannur Area Secretary P Santhosh in the petition. The government pleader took the notice on behalf of the state, district collector (Kannur), district police chief and the SHO of Payyanur police station. The Court also ordered notice by Special Messenger to the party respondents, including MLA Madhusoodanan.
The CPM on Monday decided to expel the party’s Kannur district committee member Kunhikrishnan from the party for making serious allegations against Payyannur MLA TI Madhusoodanan and others.
Kunhikrishnan has come forward with allegations that the party leadership is protecting Madhusoodanan who embezzled the Dhanraj martyrs’ fund by making fake receipts. The allegation has come as a major setback for the left party. Kunhikrishnan accused the MLA of misappropriating the martyrs’ fund, party office construction fund, and election fund. He also decided to write and publish a book containing information about the embezzlement of about Rs. 1.5 crore.