Protesters clash with police in India’s Kerala
Serious clashes have erupted between police and protesters outside the parliament building in India’s southern state of Kerala.
The clashes on Friday began after hundreds of opposition activists gathered outside the local parliament to prevent a state minister from presenting Kerala's annual budget.
The demonstration turned violent after lawmakers inside the chamber of legislature in the city of Thiruvananthapuram began to throw computer keyboards and chairs in protest at the presence of K M Mani, the state finance minister, who was there to present the document.
Images showed Indian police forces battling with people who wore trademark red hats of the opposition Left Democratic Front. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.
Activists gathered in front of the parliament to stop Mani (pictured above) from entering the chamber. However, the state minister reportedly stayed in the building overnight to avoid clashes.
According to the reports, one protester died from heart attack during the demonstration while four legislators were reportedly injured.
Activists blame Mani for receiving bribes from bar owners across the state after a law was introduced banning the sale of alcohol last year. The finance minister is currently under formal investigation and many people want him dismissed quickly.
The ban which is being implemented effectively restricts the sale of alcohol to four and five-star hotels in Kerala which is the top alcohol consuming state in India.
MS/NN/HMV
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