A scuffle broke out between actor Joju George and party workers during a 'road-obstruction' protest against fuel prices which was helmed by Congress workers in Kochi. Things escalated into a war of words as irate Congress party workers smashed the windows of the actor's car and police escorted him away.
"I'm not here to show off. This protest is affecting people who are en route to their destinations for various needs including hospital emergencies. They are struggling to make both ends meet amid the pandemic," the actor was quoted as saying by television media during the altercation at the Edappally-Vyttila bypass. An irate Joju was also seen criticising the 'immaturity' of party leaders and the protestors who he said were not even listening to the police.
"What will happen if I die here?" the actor can be seen asking on broadcasts of the incident. News media also reported that a cancer patient was stuck in the traffic.
Congress district leadership has filed a case against the actor for allegedly misbehaving with a female party worker during the protest, a charge which Joju has denied. He also refuted claims made by District Congress Committee (DCC) president Muhammed Shiyas who claimed that he was drunk. Speaking to media, Joju said that he had sustained some injuries as well.
Congress working president Kodikkunnil Suresh spoke out against Joju's behaviour and his obstruction of a protest meant 'to reach the ears of Narendra Modi'. Petrol and diesel prices have crossed ₹100 which was a major issue for the common man he said, adding that the police should have made alternate arrangements for traffic as the Congress had given warning in advance of the protest.
However Kochi DCP Aishwarya Dongre disputed the claim that the protest was authorised with permission of the police as no written consent was given to the protestors. A case would be registered against Congress workers for blocking the road and Joju would be investigated for claims of drunken driving, the DCP said in a statement.