Thrissur council meeting disrupted by dispute over aquatics complex accident
A debate over a roof-collapse accident at Thrissur’s Aquatics Complex escalated into a physical confrontation between ruling and Opposition councillors. LDF and BJP members demanded action against those responsible for students’ injuries, while the Mayor said the Corporation was not involved in organising the State School Games but would address any civic lapse established.
A confrontation broke out at the Thrissur Corporation council meeting on Saturday during a debate over an accident at the city’s Aquatics Complex that injured students taking part in the State School Games. Left Democratic Front and Bharatiya Janata Party councillors entered the well of the House after expressing dissatisfaction with the response from Mayor Niji Justin and Deputy Mayor A. Prasad.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor said the Corporation had not organised the games, while stating that any lapse by the civic body would be acknowledged and addressed if established. The Opposition members carried placards and demanded action against those responsible for the collapse of a temporary metal sheet. Congress councillors moved to counter the protest, and the exchange developed into pushing and scuffling, according to the report.
The BJP later alleged that Congress councillor K. Sumesh attacked Opposition councillors, including women members. It said BJP councillors Krishnamohan, Vinshi Arunkumar and Reshma Menon were admitted to hospital with injuries.
The report did not include a response from Sumesh to that allegation. Opposition leader T.R. Hiran criticised Sports Minister O.J.
Janeesh and said the Mayor and the Corporation could not completely distance themselves from an incident within the civic body’s jurisdiction. Other Opposition and BJP councillors also criticised the handling of the accident. The dispute widened when Sumesh referred to the collapse of a large truss at a Corporation building during the previous LDF-led council’s tenure.
LDF members objected. A remark by Education Standing Committee chairperson Mefi Delson, who attributed responsibility to the Sports Council and its convener, also drew opposition. Justin said she, the Deputy Mayor and the councillor for the affected division were invited to the inaugural function only on the previous night.
She said she and the MLA went to the venue after the accident and took necessary steps. The Mayor eventually adjourned the meeting as protests continued.
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