The police have registered cases against more than 50 persons in connection with the tensions that prevailed at Malayidomthuruth near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) after an attempt to evict seven Scheduled Caste families, following a Supreme Court order, triggered protests and clashes with the police.
The case was registered by the Thadiyattaparamba police under the Ernakulam Rural limits based on a complaint filed by senior lawyer Jayapalan M.K, who led the Advocate Commission that tried to carry out the eviction drive. The action was initiated based on a Supreme Court verdict four years ago in favour of a private individual in a land dispute involving 2.65 acres allegedly falling within 19.30 acres of puramboke land.
The police have invoked Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 191(2) (rioting), 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 285 (danger, obstruction or injury to any person in any public way or public line of navigation), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The First Information Report stated that Anilkumar, Inspector of the Perumbavoor police station, suffered injuries to his hand after the protesters allegedly blocked the Advocate Commission from discharging its duties. In the melee, a few of the protesters fell down and they were later removed by the police, it said.
Tensions escalated when officials, backed by nearly 200 policemen, arrived to enforce the order. Residents, including women, elderly people and children, blocked roads in protest. One protester poured kerosene on himself and threatened self-immolation at the protest site, prompting the police to use water cannons. A woman who collapsed during the confrontation was taken to hospital by the police.
The eviction drive was later suspended on the directive of newly sworn-in Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
The apex court had ordered eviction of the occupants before measuring and demarcating the land. Residents, however, claimed that portions of government-owned puramboke land were included in the disputed area and demanded a fresh survey.
S. Sathish, Ernakulam district secretary of the CPI(M), said that the party will stage a meeting expressing solidarity to the residents on Thursday (May 21, 2026). P. Rajeeve, former Minister, will attend, he said.
Published - May 21, 2026 10:31 am IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
