The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : British Library staff manhandled

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Friday, Mar 14, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

British Library staff manhandled

Special Correspondent

Accused of shifting books, furniture from library

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tension prevailed on the British Library premises on Thursday evening after a group of people tried to detain the staff, alleging that books and furniture were being smuggled out in violation of the agreement between the State government and the British Council.

Thiruvananthapuram East MLA V. Sivankutty who visited the spot said a police picket had been posted on the premises to prevent things from being taken out.

He said the library staff had no authority to shift books or any other material from the library without the government’s permission.

Librarian denies charge

Denying the allegation, librarian T. Subramoni said that a group of people had tried to manhandle him.

“The State government had come to an agreement with the British Council to acquire the books, shelves and furniture. But the government is yet to inform us on where to deliver the goods.” The YMCA, owners of the library building, issued notice to the Director, British Council, South India, seeking vacation of the premises by the end of the lease period on March 31, he said.

Council’s move

“Accordingly, the British Council Division at Chennai despatched a packing agency to bundle books and prepare them for delivery. The work was going on all day. By evening, when I came out of the building, some people shouted at me and tried to manhandle me. I rushed to the YMCA office and called the police.” Mr. Subramoni said there was no attempt to smuggle out anything from the library. “In fact, it is the government that is sitting on the proposal to hand over the library assets to the State. ”

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