Violence mars Kerala local body election outcomes: Reports of vandalism and injuries

Thiruvananthapuram: Violence was reported from several parts of Kerala, particularly in the northern districts, following the announcement of local body election results, police said on Sunday.

In Eramala in Kozhikode district, tension prevailed overnight after the Indira Gandhi Bhavan, a Congress office, was allegedly attacked by CPM workers. According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people allegedly marched towards the office carrying weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at about ₹5 lakh. A statue of former prime minister Indira Gandhi was also damaged. The situation escalated further after UDF workers gathered at the spot, but was brought under control following the deployment of additional police forces.

Another incident was reported from Marad in Kozhikode district, where stones were allegedly pelted at a UDF victory procession, leaving several people injured.

In Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district, police registered a case after a car carrying a UDF activist and his family members was allegedly attacked by around 40 CPM workers. In a separate incident, Sultan Bathery police also booked UDF activists for allegedly assaulting a CPM worker who objected to the bursting of firecrackers near his house.

In Kannur district, houses belonging to Muslim League activists were allegedly attacked in Panoor, with vehicles parked on the premises also damaged. Police said the violence broke out after a UDF victory rally was allegedly stopped by CPM workers armed with swords and daggers, leaving some UDF leaders injured. Clashes were also reported between UDF and LDF workers at Ulikkal in the district, though police intervention later restored calm.

In Bedakom in Kasaragod district, an LDF victory procession turned violent after CPM activists allegedly intercepted UDF workers passing through the area. Some police personnel who intervened sustained minor injuries.

Similar incidents were reported from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district, where clashes broke out between CPM and BJP workers following the election results. Police said workers from both sides suffered minor injuries and were admitted to hospitals.

Police said cases will be registered after formal complaints are received and that security has been stepped up in sensitive areas to prevent further violence.

PTI