The Alappuzha South police have registered a case against Ambalappuzha MLA H. Salam and three others for demolishing the compound wall of a private firm’s houseboat terminal at Pallathuruthy in Alappuzha.

The alleged incident took place on December 27, 2024. The case was registered under Sections 329 (3) (criminal trespass), 324 (5) (mischief) and 3 (5) (criminal act done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Besides Mr. Salam, the first information report names Public Works department (PWD) assistant engineer Binu, PWD contractor Joli and an “identifiable person” as accused in the case.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by operations manager of the firm. According to the complaint, the accused demolished six metres of the wall and damaged water connection lines, causing a loss to the tune of ₹1 lakh.

The wall was demolished to widen and strengthen a nearby road. Though funds were sanctioned for the road project, the work could not be started due to the wall. The MLA reportedly held multiple discussions with the company authorities about demolishing the wall. However, no resolution was reached, ultimately leading to its demolition.

MLA’s response

Mr. Salam on Friday said that he stood for the common man. ”I don’t understand why the police registered the case. This action by the police is wrong. It goes against the Left Democratic Front government’s policy,” he said.