Revenue employees go on strike to protest assault on ADM

Thodupuzha: The revenue employees in high range Idukki district have launched a mass strike to protest the assault on the Additional District Magistrate by CPI-M MLA E S Bijimol.

The employees in the Revenue department, including those in taluk offices, are on a mass-leave, as part of their protest, demanding action against the MLA.

Bijimol On Friday courted controversy when she allegedly assaulted Additional District Magistrate Moncy P Alaexander as he tried to implement a court order in a remote rubber plantation in the district following which police registered a case against her.

Bijimol, however, denied that she had attacked the ADM.

The ADM sustained injuries on his right knee and was admitted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

Police said the case was registered under Section 353 of IPC (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) and on charges of unlawful assembly against the MLA and at least 300 others who were protesting the re-installation of a gate in the property.

Locals have been protesting for the last few days against closure of a pathway used by them to go to a nearby place of worship following which the State Human Rights Commission directed revenue officials to remove the gate.

However, the plantation owner got a stay order on the Commission's decision.

Trouble started when a team of revenue officials led by Alaexander tried to reinstall the gate.

The protesters led by the MLA pushed the revenue officials, including the ADM, who told the agitators that he was only implementing the court order. Not satisfied, they continued to push him.

The Revenue staff of the district protested against the MLAs' action on Friday too.