Assembly polls: T K Govindan moves Kerala HC for police protection

Kochi: T K Govindan of Kannur, who was recently expelled from CPM and is presently contesting as an independent candidate with the support of the UDF in the Taliparamba constituency, has approached high court seeking police protection to ensure free and fair polling.In his petition, Govindan alleged that he was facing threats and violence from CPM workers, including attempts at booth capturing, casting of bogus votes, intimidation of UDF booth agents and obstruction of voters supporting the UDF, thereby hindering the free and fair conduct of elections and interfering with the democratic process. He also sought protection for his life and property.While considering the petition on Monday, the govt pleader submitted that Govindan had already been granted police protection following the Kannur district collector's order, based on his complaint. Accordingly, the bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas adjourned the matter to Tuesday, directing that details — particularly regarding the collector's order — be placed on record.Similarly, K M Raghunath, a UDF polling agent in Nadapuram constituency, also filed a petition seeking adequate police protection to ensure free and fair polling on April 9. In this petition, HC orally queried whether the authorities had taken steps to ensure law and order in every constituency for the ensuing election.In response, the Govt Pleader submitted that vulnerability mapping had been carried out in all constituencies. It was further stated that all necessary security measures, including the deployment of central forces and live webcasting in all polling booths, had been implemented. Accordingly, HC sought further details and adjourned the petition to Tuesday.