Kerala HC orders protection for CPM whistleblower ahead of Payyannur book launch
Kunhikrishnan clarified that he was not seeking protection for his life or property but for the book launch event.
Kunhikrishnan clarified that he was not seeking protection for his life or property but for the book launch event.
Kunhikrishnan clarified that he was not seeking protection for his life or property but for the book launch event.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday ordered the Kannur District Police Chief and the Payyannur SHO to ensure police protection for expelled CPM whistleblower V Kunhikrishnan ahead of his book release, which he says details alleged financial irregularities in the party.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Kunhikrishnan, who sought security arrangements for the book release scheduled to be held at Gandhi Park, Payyannur, on February 4. After noting the government pleader’s submission that the police were prepared to extend protection, the court directed the District Police Chief and the Payyannur SHO to ensure that Kunhikrishnan faces no threat to his life, including during the book launch. The court said the protection must remain in force until the writ petition is finally decided.
“In view of the above and considering the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner, the respondents 3 and 4 are directed to ensure that there shall not be any threat to the life of the petitioner, including for the event scheduled on 4.2.2026 at Gandhi Park, Payyannur in connection with the release of the book authored by the petitioner,” the court observed. The High Court also directed that notices be served through a Special Messenger on the party respondents, including Payyannur MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Earlier in the day, Kunhikrishnan approached the HC, citing threats and a deteriorating law and order situation in Payyannur following the announcement of his book release. He said he was forced to seek the court’s intervention after alleged intimidation and violence by party supporters. In his petition, Kunhikrishnan named the District Collector, the Rural Superintendent of Police, the Payyannur SHO, CPM district secretary K K Ragesh, CPM Payyannur area secretary P Santhosh, and MLA T I Madhusoodanan as respondents.
Asked why the MLA had been included, Kunhikrishnan told Onmaronama that the attacks were taking place “at his instigation”. Kunhikrishnan clarified that he was not seeking protection for his life or property but for the book launch event. His book ‘The Rank Should Correct the Leadership’ is expected to have details and proof of the alleged corrupt practices committed by party leaders. Kunhikrishnan has levelled three principal allegations: siphoning of funds collected for the family of CPI(M) worker C V Dhanraj; diversion of money raised to build the party’s Payyannur area committee office; and misuse of funds collected through fake receipts during the 2021 Assembly election campaign.
After his allegations became public on January 24, CPM leaders branded Kunhikrishnan a “traitor” and expelled him from the party on January 26. The same evening, party workers allegedly held a demonstration outside his house and burst crackers. Later, a supporter’s motorcycle was set on fire, an incident for which no arrests have been made so far.
The book launch, originally scheduled for January 29, was postponed due to the prevailing tension in Payyannur. The event is now scheduled for February 4 at 4.30 pm, with political analyst Joseph C Mathew releasing the book and writer V S Anilkumar receiving the first copy. The programme is being organised by Jagratha Payyannur.