Palakkad: As the attack on a children’s carolling group in Pudussery, Palakkad, triggered a political row, parents of the victims criticised BJP leader C Krishnakumar over his remarks against the children. The BJP leader had accused the carol group of being a drunken criminal gang. Criticising his remarks, the parents said it was upsetting to hear such accusations made against children.

“The people making such comments have children at their homes as well. Is that how they raised their kids?” a parent asked.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, they explained that the children were out carolling, as they do every year, when the incident occurred, and that the group comprised only children aged 10 to 15, with no adults present.

They also said they do not raise their children as criminals, responding to Krishnakumar’s claim that it was a 'criminal gang' involved in the incident.

The parents added that both the students and their families were affected by the incident, but said Krishnakumar's statement was even more distressing.

They pointed out that the students are now afraid to go outside. Parents also raised concerns that children are refusing to go to school out of fear of how teachers and classmates may perceive them after Krishnakumar’s comments.

The parents expressed their willingness to file a complaint over the mental anguish the children are facing in the aftermath of the incident.

An RSS activist allegedly attacked the children while they were visiting the houses of the faithful during carolling on Sunday. The accused was identified as Ashwin Raj. According to the complaint, he confronted the group and destroyed their band set and other articles.

Responding to the incident, senior BJP leader C Krishnakumar on Tuesday alleged that CPM activists were among the carol group members. He claimed they were drunk and had gone into the area deliberately to create issues.

“The criminal gang of CPM went into the area to deliberately create issues,” he alleged.