Drug bust sparks row in Kerala, CPI(M) claims arrested man linked to CM
A political row has erupted in Kerala after the CPI(M) claimed that one of three men arrested with drugs in Kasaragod was associated with Chief
A political row has erupted in Kerala after the CPI(M) claimed that one of three men arrested with drugs in Kasaragod was associated with Chief Minister VD Satheesan's social media team. The Congress has rejected the allegation, saying the man had no official association with the Chief Minister or his office. PA Abdul Salam, KH Muhammad Hussain and PA Abbas were arrested in Kasaragod recently after police found 130 grams of MDMA being transported in a car. Read Full Story The CPI(M) has now alleged that Hussain had served as Satheesan's social media coordinator.
His social media profile reportedly describes him as "Team VD Satheesan/ Social Media Coordinator", while posts on his account include a video of the Chief Minister visiting his residence when he was the Opposition leader. CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan attacked the Chief Minister over the allegations and demanded an explanation. "It is shocking that the Chief Minister's social media coordinator has been arrested in a drug trafficking case," Govindan said. He alleged that Hussain had administered social media groups associated with Satheesan and was involved in sharing the Congress leader's posters and videos.
"Chief Minister VD Satheesan must answer for his own office allegedly becoming a hub for a drug network," Govindan said, adding that the Chief Minister's Office was intervening to have social media posts related to the case removed. Govindan also alleged that the accused had been associated with events linked to the government's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, and claimed that another accused, Abdul Salam, had accompanied Muslim League leader PK Kunhalikutty to the Kerala Assembly. "Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala should conduct Operation Toofan within his own party," Govindan said.
The allegations, however, has been rejected by the Congress government. State Sports Minister OJ Janeesh said the person shown in photographs circulating on social media and in news reports was not an office-bearer or leader of the Youth Congress, as was being claimed. Janeesh said that if any worker, member or leader of the Youth Congress was found to have any connection with drug trafficking, the person would no longer remain part of the organisation. Ends (Inputs from PTI)
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