Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader VD Satheesan launched a sharp attack on the CPM after a purported audio clip of a DYFI activist in Thrissur raised bribery allegations against the senior leaders of the party. Addressing the media here on Saturday, Satheesan said that the DYFI district secretary’s revelation marked the beginning of the CPM’s collapse.

“DYFI Thrissur district secretary said that a gang of thieves rules the district committee of the party. If so, the state leaders are dacoits. The audio clip revealed that district leaders became millionaires. CPM leaders in districts are involved in all corrupt practices. They collect commission for every illegal activity. They are involved in the appointment of officials, including SPs and SHOs,” alleged Satheesan.

The Congress leader also referred to the Karuvannur Co-Operative Bank scam and alleged that an unholy nexus between the BJP and CPM during the Lok Sabha polls led to the Enforcement Directorate probe being stalled.

He condemned the LDF government over alleged police atrocities and emphasised that the Pinarayi Vijayan government is on the verge of collapse.

“CPM hatched a conspiracy to torture a DYFI leader in police custody. He was subjected to custodial torture as the party was afraid that he would expose the corruption of the leaders,” said Satheesan, hinting at the death of Adoor native Joel.

According to Joel’s family, he died from health complications caused by custodial torture at Adoor police station in 2020. It is alleged that the police booked him in a false case and brutally assaulted him.

“On Friday, KSU activists arrested in a case were produced before the court like terrorists. They were handcuffed and their faces were covered with black cloth. Some police officials are more royal than the king. They have CPM’s support in all illegal activities. No one involved in such activities will continue in uniform in Kerala,” said Satheesan, warning police officials.

Satheesan also questioned the CM’s silence on alleged police atrocities in Kerala.

“The CM is hiding his head like an ostrich. He is afraid to speak up. When atrocities and anarchy are reported in the Home Department, the CM ignores everything. The CM turned the police into a terrorist group working on his party’s command. He will have to reply to all the wrongdoings,” he said.

Responding to the Election Commission’s move to introduce Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Kerala, he declared that Congress will oppose the move as it did in Bihar.