Stringent measures imposed after manaveeyam veedhi rampage in Kerala

Recurring episodes of violence at Manaveeyam Veedhi, Kerala’s inaugural official nightlife hub, have compelled law enforcement to contemplate stringent measures, potentially involving the use of breathalyzers. The latest disturbance occurred on a Tuesday night when an intoxicated group of young individuals engaged in unruly behavior, leading to the injury of a woman. When the police attempted to intervene, the inebriated group escalated the situation by pelting stones at the officers. Subsequently, a person was taken into custody by the Museum police regarding the incident. This recent clash represents the second such event within less than a week along the 180-meter stretch in Thiruvananthapuram, posing a significant setback for the state government’s aspirations to foster a vibrant nightlife culture.

Previously, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Cantonment area had proposed limitations on loudspeakers and late-night stage performances, advocating for visitors to disperse by midnight. According to the police, the officers stationed at Manaveeyam Veedhi had intervened in response to the disruptive conduct of some intoxicated youths who had congregated around midnight near Althara. The officers requested the youths to vacate the area, but their response was one of fury, resulting in the hurling of stones and chairs at the police. Tragically, one of the stones struck a resident of Nattayam on the forehead, necessitating her immediate hospitalization.

The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the police were actively searching for suspects linked to a prior clash that had occurred within the group on the preceding Saturday. This ongoing pattern of violence and unrest at the newly established nightlife locale is a matter of concern for authorities and highlights the challenges associated with maintaining public safety and order in such environments. It underscores the need for effective strategies to ensure the peaceful coexistence of nightlife activities and community well-being.