THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The City Police on Wednesday booked Mayor V K Prasanth for alleged casteist slur on BJP councillor Lakshmi. He has been charged with section 3 (1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act 2015.
The police slapped the new charge after a direction by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes vice-chairman L Murugan who met Lakshmi on Tuesday. Other charges in the case against the Mayor are sections 294(b) and 323 of the IPC for using profane language and causing hurt.
Lakshmi had alleged Prasanth verbally abused her and pushed her away using his elbow during the ruckus at the council hall. The attack took place when she tried to save fellow BJP councillor Girikumar who was being manhandled by the Mayor and his personal staff.
The police have also registered a case against three BJP councillors for alleged casteist slurs. Thirumala Anil, Karamana Ajith and Girikumar were booked on a complaint filed by CPM councillor Sindhu Sasi.
Mayor discharged from hospital
Meanwhile, the Mayor was discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital on Wednesday. Doctors have advised a two-week rest for him. He should also continue the use of a cervical collar and bandage on the leg for some time. Prasanth was injured in the clash between CPM and BJP councillors after the council meeting on Saturday.