THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress held statewide protests on Friday, calling for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's resignation after Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, revealed that she had testified in court about the CM, his wife, and daughter's involvement in the crime.

Police in Kannur issued a notice to State Congress president K.Sudhakaran on Friday morning, stating that they suspect violence during the party's march to the District Collectorate office and that if this is the case, he will face severe consequences.

Each leader took up this cause when they launched the protest in front of the remaining 12 district collectorates as well as the State Secretariat here.

There were exchange of force between the protesters and the police in n most of the district headquarters. To disperse the crowds, authorities were compelled to use water cannons and lathi charges in many locations. The most populous protests were seen in Kannur, which also happens to be Vijayan and Sudhakaran's hometown.

Meanwhile, the BJP and its affiliates staged similar protests around the country, demanding that Vijayan resign immediately since he and his family have committed an anti-national act by smuggling gold and currency.

KT Jaleel files complaint against Swapna; accuses BJP of overthrowing govt

CM Vijayan and his family also involved in Kerala gold smuggling case, the main accused disclosed

Kerala announces plan for tourism clubs on college campuses