Idukki: Violence broke out at the Idukki Taluk Office on Tuesday after Congress workers clashed with police while staging a protest march demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan over the Sabarimala gold scam. During the confrontation, Idukki DCC president CP Mathew sustained a head injury after allegedly being pushed by police personnel and falling into a roadside drain. He was initially taken to the Idukki Government Medical College Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Thodupuzha for specialised treatment.

The incident occurred around 11 am when police attempted to block the protest march ahead of a public meeting, triggering the clash.

Demanding action against the police officers responsible for the leader’s injury, Congress workers later staged a road blockade on the state highway at Cheruthoni. Additional Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Paul subsequently reached the protest site and held talks with MP Dean Kuriakose. Following assurances that immediate action would be taken against the erring officers, the blockade was temporarily withdrawn.

The protest march to the Idukki Taluk Office was organised by the Idukki DCC as part of the Congress party’s statewide agitation over the Sabarimala gold theft case. The party has intensified protests across the district, demanding the resignation of the Devaswom Minister and the arrest of all those involved in the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Ayyappa temple.