CPI (M) workers charged under UAPA by police; CM not involved: LDF

The ruling CPI (M) ally Left Democratic Front (LDF) Convenor A Vijayraghavan said that the decision to slap UAPA against two CPM workers from its Kozhikode unit was taken by the police without the knowledge of the Chief Minister.

Kozhikode (Kerala):Hours after two Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers were arrested under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for allegedly being Maoist sympathisers, ruling CPI (M) ally Left Democratic Front Convenor A Vijayraghavan said that the decision to slap UAPA was taken by the police without the knowledge of the Chief Minister.

"The mistake will be rectified and the decision to slap UAPA was taken by the police without the knowledge of the Chief Minister," said Vijayraghavan.

He added, "LDF does not support the violation of fundamental rights in any manner. We stand with the general public. I am sure that the government will not take any such legal action against its innocent people," said Vijayraghavan.

The Rajya Sabha MP also said, "the Government will correct any lapses that might have occurred during an investigation by the police. Chargesheet has not been filed yet. The government can interfere at this stage."

Meanwhile, Loknath Behera, the Director-General of Police, Kerela has directed the ADGP Law and Order and North Zone IG to review the charges filed against the two party workers from the Kozhikode unit.

The direction was issued after the move drew criticism from all quarters.

"At present, a preliminary investigation has been conducted into the case. All aspects of the case will be examined after collecting evidence and will review whether charging UAPA was a valid move. After this, a report will be submitted in the court, " the Kerala Police informed in a press release.

Allan Shuhaib and Thaha Fasal were picked up by police at Pantheerankavu on Friday night. According to police, a patrolling party confronted three persons under suspicious circumstances. One of them fled on seeing the police, leaving a bag behind that contained Maoist literature.

Their arrest under UAPA shocked the CPM district leadership. CPM district secretary P Mohanan said that UAPA should have been used with much caution and only after a thorough investigation.