Attack on Chandy: Schoolteacher among 10 taken into custody

A schoolteacher was among 10 taken into custody today in connection with last Sunday's attack on Chief Minister Oommen Chandy by LDF workers, demanding his resignation over the Solar panel scam issue.
The teacher, identified as N Balakrishnan is the Vice-President of the Kerala School teachers Association, police said.
Chandy had suffered minor injuries on his forehead on Sunday when LDF protestors pelted stones when he was on his way in a car to the police grounds here to attend a function.
The LDF had distanced from the attack holding that physically targeting the Chief Minister was not part of its campaign.

Over the last few months, LDF has been staging protests wherever Chandy tours as part of its campaign demanding his resignation over the solar panel scam.
LDF has been pressing for Chandy's resignation in the backdrop of solar panel scam which pertains to financial cheating of several people by promoters of a private firm offering them solar energy solutions.

LDF has been alleging that the fraudsters had the support of Chandy and his office. Though the government had ordered a judicial probe, LDF refused to give up their demand.
Meanwhile, Kannur District Congress Committee leaders observed a one day fast here today, in protest against the attack on Chandy.

KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, who inaugurated the fast, alleged the CPI(M) leadership was trying to justify its mistakes and should have the courage to identify those behind the incident.
CPI(M) Politburo member and former minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters at Thalaserry that LDF would continue their protests during the 'people mass contact programme' by Chandy here on November 18.