Alappuzha: Media worker K.M. Violent protests continue after Sriram Venkataraman, the accused in the case of killing Basheer by a car, took charge as the collector. He is staying away from outside events. Amid fierce protests by locals and various organizations, it is in a situation where it has to move away from the people.
Heavy security has been put in place at the Collectorate and the residence which includes the camp office. Apart from the gunman, a special police vehicle escort has also been arranged for the collector’s journey. He has not seen much of anyone in the two days since taking charge. There is a police guard in the collectorate courtyard near the collector’s vehicle. There is a fierce protest against Sri Ram throughout the district.
Various organizations have come up with protest programs. The Kerala Journalists’ Union, which staged a dharna at the Collectorate, and the Congress, Youth Congress, and other parties in the UDF have announced that they will continue to protest until Sriram is removed from the post of Collector. Various Sunni organizations are also on the scene with strong agitation programs against Shri Ram. The Collectorate has announced a march on 30th under the leadership of various Sunni organizations including the Kerala Muslim Jamaat.