Keralam CPI(M) suspends Elappully local secretary over alleged extramarital affair

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has suspended its Elappully East-1 local committee secretary Satheesh Kumar for six months following allegations of an extramarital relationship with another woman.

The woman’s husband has approached the family court here seeking divorce, alleging that the relationship had continued for several years.

According to the complaint, the woman’s son witnessed the two together and informed relatives. When the relatives reached the house, Mr. Kumar allegedly fled. The husband has also alleged that Mr. Kumar threatened to kill him and their son by poisoning them.

The party leadership had earlier warned Mr. Kumar against continuing the relationship. However, he allegedly ignored the warning and continued to visit the woman, including at her house in Thrissur district. The party subsequently decided to suspend him for six months.

Suresh Kumar, an employee of the Elappully Service Cooperative Bank, has been given charge of the local committee secretary’s post in his place.

The latest action comes at a time when the CPI(M) in Palakkad is facing a major controversy over allegations against former district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu.

A woman had lodged a complaint of sexual misconduct against him with the party leadership, reportedly submitting digital evidence.

The party removed Mr. Babu from the district secretary’s post last month and appointed V. Chenthamarakshan as his successor. The party’s internal complaints committee is currently investigating the woman’s complaint, and its report is expected to guide further action.