Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, stoned by protesters taken to hospital, LDF workers held

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who sustained minor injuries during a protest by LDF in Kannur, has been admitted to Medical College Hospital here for detailed check-up and observation.

Police has rounded up as many as 22 LDF workers, most of them from the CPI(M) and its youth outfit DYFI, in overnight searches in different parts of Kannur district in connection with the incident.

Cases have also been registered against 1,000 identifiable LDF workers, including a couple of MLAs and CPI(M) district leaders, in connection with the incident.

Chandy, who reached Thiruvananthapuram from Kannur by air in the wee hours today, was taken straightway to the Medical College Hospital, where a team of doctors examined him and his condition was stated to stable.

Health Minister V S Siva Kumar said doctors had advised a day's rest for the Chief Minister and his official programmes for the day had been cancelled.

The ongoing campaign by CPI(M)-led LDF over solar panel scam turned violent last evening as protesters pelted stones at Chandy at Kannur, where he had gone to attend a couple of engagements including the valedictory of the state police athletic meet.

The protesters, who sneaked into the venue despite heavy security, stoned Chandy's car shattering its glass pane, splinters of which hit his forehead above the right eye. A stone also hit his chest causing inflammation.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from Congress and its allies, whose leaders said the attack betrayed "undemocratic approach" of CPI(M) and was not acceptable.

The LDF leaders, however, denied any role in the incident stating that physically targeting Chandy is not part of its agitation.