Thrissur: BJP councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, R Sugathan, was released from Viyyur Central Prison on Tuesday after the Kerala High Court quashed the preventive detention order issued against him under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
Sugathan, who represents the Vazhottukonam ward, had been lodged at Viyyur Central Prison since June after being detained under KAAPA. The High Court cancelled the detention order on a petition filed by his wife, G R Aswathy.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi arrived at the prison to receive Sugathan following his release.
Sugathan had spent 119 days in jail. While in detention, he had taken the oath of office as a Thiruvananthapuram Corporation councillor inside Viyyur Central Prison on July 14, following a High Court directive. The court had permitted the oath-taking ceremony to be conducted inside the prison as he could not be released from KAAPA detention to attend it outside.
Speaking after his release, Sugathan alleged that he was made a ‘goonda’ through the actions of the CPI(M) and the police.
“I will continue to raise my voice for the people and remain at the forefront of protests,” he said.
“If speaking for the people is considered goonda activity, let it remain so,” Sugathan said.
He also alleged that the cases registered against him were politically motivated.
“Everyone knows that the case against me was politically motivated,” he said.
Sugathan thanked his family members and party workers who stood by him during his period in jail.
He also said that he had no intention of withdrawing from the ongoing protest related to the development of Vattiyoorkavu Junction, stating that he would continue to work for the people of his ward.
