Kozhikode, May 17, 2024 — Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) leader K S Hariharan was arrested on Friday for making sexist remarks about senior CPI leader K K Shailaja and Malayalam actress Manju Warrier during a recent public speech. The Vadakara police recorded his arrest and subsequently released him on station bail. This action followed a complaint lodged by the All India Democratic Women’s Association, a Left-wing organization.
The police had previously booked Hariharan on May 12 under IPC Sections 509 and 153. After his release, Hariharan addressed reporters, expressing his frustration that many in Kerala make controversial statements without facing legal consequences. He noted that both he and his party leader, K K Rema, were attacked on social media following his speech. Hariharan acknowledged his mistake, expressing regret for his comments, and vowed to address the issue legally and politically.
Hariharan also revealed that his home was targeted with bombs after the incident, though no arrests have been made. He claimed that an unidentified gang on a two-wheeler hurled explosives at his house around 8:15 PM on May 12. The objectionable remarks were made during a meeting in Vadakara on the night of May 11, which was inaugurated by Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan. The event aimed to respond to the ruling LDF’s allegations that UDF workers had produced a morphed video of Shailaja, a candidate in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
The remarks triggered a significant political backlash, with Hariharan facing criticism from both his party and the UDF. His party’s high command and the UDF condemned the comments, emphasizing that no woman should be subjected to such remarks. Subsequently, Hariharan issued a Facebook post, acknowledging that friends and journalists had pointed out the inappropriate nature of his comments, and he expressed regret for his actions.
