Kerala Lawmaker Manhandled by Protesters Over Unaddressed Waste Disposal Concerns in Kannur

In Kerala, a lawmaker encountered public anger for allegedly neglecting a critical health and waste management issue in Kannur district. Visuals showed KP Mohanan being manhandled by locals when he arrived to inaugurate an Anganwadi centre in his Kuthuparampu constituency on Thursday.

The protest stemmed from concerns about garbage disposal at a local dialysis centre. Residents alleged that untreated waste from the health facility was being dumped in their area, potentially contaminating the local groundwater supply.

Concerned about a possible health crisis, community members had been protesting for months and requesting proper waste treatment facilities. They claimed to have repeatedly informed the MLA about their concerns, but stated he disregarded their multiple requests for intervention.

The situation intensified on Thursday when Mohanan, a Loktantrik Janata Dal MLA who is part of the ruling LDF, came to inaugurate an Anganwadi. Large numbers of locals gathered demanding accountability, resulting in a confrontational scene.

When he attempted to push through the crowd of protesters, he was seen being pushed and manhandled by the angry residents.

The police independently filed charges against approximately 25 locals for unlawful assembly and other violations under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. While the public faces legal consequences, the MLA has yet to address the community's concerns.