Opposition seeks minister's resignation after building collapse

Protests have erupted across Kerala on Friday as workers from both the Congress and BJP parties took to the streets, demanding the resignation of state health minister Veena George.

- Ashraf Padanna

The provocation for the demonstrations was the tragic death of Bindhu, 52, a homemaker trapped under the debris of a three-story building that collapsed at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital on Thursday. Five others sustained injuries.

In the state capital, demonstrators, including women, marched to the official residence of George, shouting slogans against her and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

When the protesters encountered barricades set up by the police, they attempted to overturn them and climbed on top, waving party flags.

They also seized some shields and lathis from the police personnel, which led to the use of several rounds of water cannons against the crowd.