Activist allegedly assaulted for protesting against destruction of mangroves

Activist attacked for questioning mangrove destruction in Kozhikode, case filed against alleged assailants under multiple sections.

Even as destruction of mangroves and encroachment on the Kottooli wetlands continue unabated at Vazhathuruthy in Kozhikode, an activist of the Sarovaram Environment Protection Committee has allegedly come under attack.

K.K. Lithesh was allegedly attacked by two persons with a broken liquor bottle on Monday for reportedly questioning the destruction of mangroves.

In a complaint filed at the Nadakavu police station on Monday, Mr. Lithesh said two residents of the region, identified as Prajith Lal (Basi) and Shiju, had attempted to stab him with the bottle near Markaz International School. Mr. Lithesh, who sustained wounds on his hand and neck, alleged that the duo had been involved in the destruction of mangroves in the region.

Meanwhile, Jeeja Bai, another activist, alleged that the assailants were instigated by the management of the nearby Calicut Trade Centre to destroy mangroves. “We have launched a campaign against the centre, which is an unauthorised construction built on landfill, once a part of the wetlands. We were successful in convincing several people who had booked programmes at the centre from moving it to other locations, citing legal implication. The attack on Lithesh was part of their payback,” Ms.Jeeja Bai said.

The Nadakavu police have registered a case against Prajith Lal and Shiju. They have been charged under Section 126 (2) [offence of wrongful restraint], 118 (1) [voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or substances] and 3 (5) [joint criminal liability] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).