Kochi: Police arrested a congressional worker in connection with the vandalism of actor Joju George’s car during the Congress party’s protest against rising fuel prices on the NH bypass in Kochi on Monday.
PG Joseph, 47, from Thykoodam, Vyttila, was arrested for breaking the rear window of the actor’s car. Joseph is the convener of the INTUC-affiliated Vyttila Autorickshaw Drivers Union and the husband of the Cochin Corporation City Council, Sony Joseph.
The arrest came after city police carefully examined the footage of the incident. Police found that one of the people in the group who attacked Joju’s car was injured in the hand. Police later found that Joseph was receiving first aid from a private hospital because of the bruise he suffered, which eventually led to his arrest.
In another development, on the basis of Joju’s complaint, the police initiated proceedings against 15 people, including former mayor Tony Chammany, who could not be bailed out. Recorded offenses include illegally blocking the actor’s vehicle, illegally restricting his movement, applying force to his body, threatening and voluntarily inflicting injury.
However, Chammany alleged that they had been blamed for false cases by the police, adding that they would legally fight the case. He said the only reaction was against the actor who tried to interrupt the protest meeting.
Nobody had touched the actor’s body and they were not involved in breaking the glass of the actor’s car, added Chammany.
Proceedings against top politicians in Congress
Police registered a case against 15 leaders, including KPCC Labor President Kodikunnil Suresh MP, KPCC Vice President VJ Paulose and DCC President Mohammed Shiyas. Cases have also been recorded against 50 Congress employees.
In the meantime, police have not filed charges against Joju based on a petition from Mahila Congress officials that he verbally and physically abused her.
Kochi City Police Commissioner CHNagaraju said that a decision to register a case would only be made after a detailed factual check.
Joju leaves social media
Actor Joju George disabled his social media accounts after facing cyberbullying following Monday’s argument with congressional officials in Kochi. His Facebook and Instagram pages were found missing on Tuesday.
According to his social media managers, the pages have been temporarily pulled back due to his decision to stay off social media for a while.
