Thiruvananthapuram Corporation BJP councilor R. Sugathan is facing 19 criminal cases

R. Sugathan, a BJP councilor representing Vazhottukonam ward in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, is facing as many as 19 criminal cases, including several serious charges such as attempt to murder. According to details released by the home ministry, 18 cases were registered against him at Vattiyurkavu police station and one case at Nedumangadu police station. In all 19 cases, Sugathan was named as the first accused.

The charges include four counts of attempted murder, along with offenses including disorderly conduct, assault and intimidation. Police have already filed charges in 18 cases, official sources said. Before the latest case where provisions of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) were invoked against Mr. Sugathan, the district authorities had earlier issued payment orders against him in 2023 and 2025.

The Vattiyurkavu police recently arrested a councilor in a dramatic night-time operation after he had been evading the law for over a month following an encounter at a temple. He is currently lodged in the Viyyur Central Jail remand.

On Sunday, a protest march by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists to Vattiyurkavu Station Officer Vipin’s residence at Moonnamood near Vattiyurkavu turned unruly, prompting police to use water cannons to disperse the activists.

The agitation was started by BJP Thiruvananthapuram district general secretary Pappanamcode Saji, who alleged that the accused BJP councilor was falsely implicated in a fabricated case. Three protesters suffered minor injuries in the clash with the police.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, former Director General of Police and BJP councilor R. Sreelekha came out in support of Mr. Sugathan, alleging that he was subjected to political harassment and false criminal cases.

She claimed the councilor had spent several years challenging alleged illegal activities in Vattiyurkavu and advocating for local residents. According to her, several cases were registered against him at the behest of CPI(M) leaders during the tenures of the previous LDF government.

Published – 14th June 2026 20:30 IST