Perambra clash: Five UDF workers arrested for ‘hurling’ explosives; Congress condemns police action

Kozhikode: In the aftermath of a violent protest in Perambra that left MP Shafi Parambil injured, police on Wednesday arrested five UDF activists allegedly involved in hurling explosives during the October 10 clash.

The arrests were made during early morning raids at the homes of individuals suspected to be part of the violent protest, according to officials.

“Five UDF activists were taken into custody, and their arrests were recorded. They will be produced before the court later in the day,” a police officer confirmed.

However, the move drew strong criticism from the Congress leadership, who termed the police action "unacceptable”.

Youth Congress state president O J Janeesh alleged that the police targeted people who had no role in the protest.

“Police carried out raids in the houses of party workers who didn’t even take part in the Perambra protest,” he said.

Janeesh further claimed that the house of a woman general secretary of the Youth Congress was raided, and her husband was taken into custody. Another worker’s residence was also searched despite no protest involvement.

“These actions amounted to retaliation by the police. The arrested activists were treated badly at the police station, and they were addressed using filthy language by the personnel,” he alleged.

He also accused the police of collaborating with CPM activists during the demonstration.

The case was registered on Monday night against “unknown” individuals after police examined video footage of the October 10 incident. The FIR alleges that an “explosive device” was thrown from the crowd of UDF workers who had "gathered illegally”, posing a threat to officers on duty.

The explosion reportedly occurred amidst police officers and created a loud blast.

Charges have been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to unlawful assembly and endangering public servants.

The police lathicharge on October 10 has sparked widespread condemnation and protests from the Congress and the UDF, who accused law enforcement of deliberately targeting MP Shafi Parambil.

Parambil sustained nasal fractures during the clash and is currently receiving treatment at a Kozhikode hospital.

PTI