Kochi: CPM area secretary P B Ratheesh on Sunday refuted the claims by the Koothattukulam municipality councillor Kala Raju that she was abducted and mistreated by CPM workers. 

Tense scenes unfolded in front of the municipality office on Saturday ahead of the discussion on the no-confidence motion moved by the UDF councillors against the chairperson and vice-chairman. It was alleged that Kala Raju was forcibly taken to the CPM area committee office in a car by the CPM workers.

Ratheesh told media on Sunday that the LDF had decided to boycott the no-confidence motion. “ We couldn't communicate this decision to Kala since she was not available on her mobile phone. When she arrived at the municipality office on Saturday, our councillors told her about the decision to stay away from the meeting. She agreed to this and went to the area committee office. Until 4.30 pm, they all sat together in a friendly manner and she was dropped back at her home. Tension happened because of the intervention of the UDF,” he said.

"When such an allegation is raised—that CPM members abducted a CPM representative—the seriousness of the accusation should be taken into account. This is a deliberate allegation," he added.

Based on a complaint filed by Kala's family, police have registered a case against 45 individuals, including the CPM area secretary, Municipality chairperson, and vice-chairman. 

The Opposition UDF moved a no-confidence motion, alleging corruption in the construction of the isolation ward at Koothattukulam Government Hospital. The motion was set to be discussed at 10 am on Saturday.