Sulthan Bathery: Over hundred depositors, many of them pensioners and members of pro-LDF trade unions, marched to the Brahmagiri Development Society (BDS) head office on Thursday, demanding the immediate return of their deposits. The cooperative, controlled by the CPM, is facing mounting pressure as more than 500 investors allege that party leaders failed to fulfil repayment promises.

“We never invested this money on our own. Party leaders compelled us with assurances of timely repayment,” said M R Mangalan, convener of the Action Committee. “We still hope the leadership will intervene and ensure repayment,” he added.

Protesters raised slogans against the CPM leadership for its inaction. They warned that further agitation would target the party’s District Committee office and even the homes of senior leaders and BDS promoters. The march began from Pathirippalam Junction on NH 722 and was stopped by police in front of the BDS head office. Investors from Kozhikode and Kannur also joined the protest.

The Action Council of Brahmagiri Chicken Farmers also participated in the demonstration, alleging that their security deposits were not returned. Organisers said the protest will intensify if the state CPM leadership does not respond. MR Mangalan inaugurated the protest meeting, while President Abhilash Mathew presided.

Congress protest
Meanwhile, the District Congress Committee held a parallel sit-in in front of the Malabar Meat plant at Manjadi. DCC president TJ Isaac demanded an Enforcement Directorate probe into BDS’s financial irregularities. He alleged mismanagement and corruption in the government-funded cooperative and demanded that the depositors’ money be returned.

The Brahmagiri meat processing plant has been closed for over a year due to mounting debts. Of its more than 200 employees, only a few clerical staff and officials remain.