BJP councillor R. Sugathan told a Kerala court on July 1 that police had threatened him with indefinite detention following his arrest at gunpoint from home on June 9. He claimed the investigating officer acted aggressively during a medical examination and stated a policeman could imprison him permanently. The court took note of the claims and ordered the officer to appear. Sugathan also said police warned they would catch him like a fish. The court questioned which officers escorted him for the check-up and how a station sub-inspector was involved without formal custody transfer. Sugathan’s lawyer argued the police pursuit was unnecessary. The court directed a senior officer to attend proceedings. The BJP described the arrest as politically motivated to remove the mayor and end its majority. With Sugathan still detained, CPM councillors and supporters entered the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation on June 25, creating disruption aimed at Mayor V.V. Rajesh and BJP members. Several women councillors reported injuries, including one with a head wound and Deputy Mayor Asha Natha. The High Court had ruled on June 24 that oaths referencing deities or martyrs lacked legal standing but declined to annul the elections. Nineteen BJP councillors repeated their oaths the same day. Opposition members boycotted the ceremony yet later questioned its validity. BJP leaders accused police of inaction and called for an inquiry, alleging the violence formed part of efforts to oust the BJP-led corporation.
