The Karshaka Congress district committee has officially called for a thorough investigation into the recent violent clashes between local residents and police at the Ambayathode slaughterhouse waste treatment factory. Their petition, addressed to the Chief Minister and State Police Chief, seeks to uncover the full story behind the incident.
Biju Kannanthara, the District President of Karshaka Congress, filed the petition, alleging that Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Yathish Chandra and his team conspired with the factory management to suppress the local protest. Kannanthara specifically requested an inquiry into any communications, including telephone conversations and meetings, between the senior police officer and the company’s leadership.
The Karshaka Congress leader asserted that the authorities conspired to quell the demonstration by filing serious charges against members of the local action committee. He further claimed that vehicles on the factory premises were set ablaze under suspicious circumstances, occurring precisely when protesters were attempting to escape police action.
Kannanthara defended the local agitation, emphasizing that it stemmed from genuine concerns about pollution. He stated that the confrontation began on October 21 when police aggressively tried to force waste-carrying trucks into the plant. He also accused the police of attempting to provoke protesters by deploying grenades.
In response, some senior police officers involved in the initial probe, led by DIG Chandra, suggested there were subtle efforts from various groups to discredit police actions and protect those responsible for instigating the violence. These officers declined to comment directly on the Karshaka Congress leader’s latest petition, which contained serious accusations against the DIG.