Two individuals were arrested on Monday, 30 December 2024 after a protest turned violent at an NCC camp near Kochi, where a Lieutenant Colonel was assaulted. The incident followed a food poisoning outbreak at the camp, which had caused over 100 participants to fall ill.
The camp, organized by the 21 Kerala Battalion of the NCC, began on 21 December 2024 but was suspended after 107 students from schools and colleges in Ernakulam district suffered food poisoning on 23 December 2024. Angered by the incident, parents and students staged a protest outside the camp. The demonstration was joined by local leaders from the CPI(M) escalating tensions.
Amid the protests, a group of individuals stormed the camp and attacked Lieutenant Colonel Karnail Singh, the administrative officer of the camp. Thrikkakara police later arrested two accused, identified as Nishad and Navas, both allegedly parents of affected students.
Inspector A. K. Sudheer of Thrikkakara police station stated that a total of seven individuals were named in the case. The arrested duo faces charges of assaulting the Lieutenant Colonel and obstructing him from performing his duties.
Other accused include Bhagyalakshmi, an SFI leader who entered the camp and allegedly inspected.
The food poisoning incident and subsequent unrest brought the 10-day camp to a premature halt, leaving the local community in shock over the violence and allegations of negligence. Further investigations into the incident and the actions of the accused are underway.
Background
Tensions flared at an NCC camp held at KMM College, Thrikkakara, around 24 December 2024, as allegations surfaced against SFI leader Bhagyalakshmi for inappropriate conduct and harassment of cadets, including female participants. The accusations arose following a heated altercation involving Bhagyalakshmi, an SFI district secretariat member, and the cadets.
According to the cadets, Bhagyalakshmi, accompanied by a group of individuals, allegedly trespassed into the camp, searched their barracks, and made inappropriate remarks. One female cadet reported that Bhagyalakshmi questioned them with sexual undertones, asking, “Are you here to offer yourselves to the officers?” The remarks have caused outrage among the cadets, who expressed pride in their roles as NCC participants and condemned the alleged behavior.
Bhagyalakshmi, however, has denied the allegations, claiming that her actions were misunderstood. She stated that her visit to the camp was prompted by reports of misconduct involving higher officials. “I did not make any inappropriate remarks. As a woman, I am fully aware of the sensitivities involved and acted responsibly,” she said.
The incident reportedly occurred after several cadets were admitted to a local hospital due to suspected food poisoning. Bhagyalakshmi and her team allegedly forced their way into the camp, citing concerns over the cadets’ well-being and accusing officials of negligence.
While video footage of the altercation has been circulated, opinions remain divided. The footage shows a confrontation between Bhagyalakshmi’s group and camp officials, with cadets visibly distressed. Some cadets claimed that the intruders inspected their rooms without permission and behaved aggressively.
Additionally, CPM workers allegedly attacked Army officers during an NCC camp at KMM College in Thrikkakara. The incident occurred on the night of 23 December 2024, when a group of CPM-affiliated individuals reportedly entered the camp premises and assaulted Lieutenant Colonel Karnail Singh, the camp commandant. Despite an FIR being registered, no action has been taken by the police so far, prompting criticism from the victimized Army personnel.
The incident allegedly began after complaints of food poisoning were reported at the NCC camp. Several students experiencing discomfort were admitted to Kalamassery Medical College. Following this, a group of CPM workers reportedly stormed the camp, assaulting students and subjecting female cadets to harassment. Lieutenant Colonel Karnail Singh’s father later shared details of the attack on social media, revealing that his son, in full uniform, was assaulted while on duty.
In connection with the incident, the police registered an FIR against Bhagyalakshmi, an SFI leader and DYFI district committee member, along with others. Despite this, the accused remain at large, and the Army officers allege that the police have failed to take further steps. The officers also claim that the food poisoning incident was fabricated by some students seeking to leave the camp early for Christmas celebrations.
Despite the FIR being filed promptly on December 24, no arrests were made then.
(With inputs from Indian Express)
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